University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Alabama at Birmingham is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (20,905 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alabama at Birmingham is located in Birmingham, AL (Midsize City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alabama at Birmingham 18:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Vanderbilt? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Alabama at Birmingham than Vanderbilt ($17,997 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alabama at Birmingham are 35.7% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($14,170 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 641.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $58,400 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $9,098.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 199.2% higher at Vanderbilt than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $44,936 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $22,562.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Alabama at Birmingham than at Vanderbilt University (90% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 484.2% larger than aid received by University of Alabama at Birmingham students ($64,404 vs. $11,025).

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Vanderbilt? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Vanderbilt and University of Alabama at Birmingham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 210 points higher than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (1330).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 26 at University of Alabama at Birmingham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 1210/1450; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 23/30; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alabama at Birmingham - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alabama at Birmingham Jun 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at University of Alabama at Birmingham (3.82).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alabama at Birmingham and Vanderbilt? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than University of Alabama at Birmingham's (45%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $36,700 more per year than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates ($14,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates ($144 vs. $222).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alabama at Birmingham students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.