UChicago vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

UChicago vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago 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 Vanderbilt University than UChicago ($25,186 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Chicago are 8.8% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($20,109 vs. $22,054).
• University of Chicago is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $3,164 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at UChicago than at Vanderbilt University (about $3,164 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at University of Chicago (67% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by University of Chicago students ($64,404 vs. $62,300).

UChicago vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago 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 UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 10 points higher than at Vanderbilt (1540).
• Incoming UChicago students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Vanderbilt (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Vanderbilt has a higher acceptance rate (5.9%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

UChicago vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago 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).

• The graduation rate at UChicago is the same as at Vanderbilt University (92% vs. 92%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Vanderbilt graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than UChicago graduates ($14,000 vs. $14,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UChicago graduates ($144 vs. $149).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 83%)

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.