Georgia vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

University of Georgia is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (43,146 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Georgia is located in Athens, GA (Midsize City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Georgia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Georgia 17:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Georgia 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 Georgia than Vanderbilt ($16,662 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Georgia are 47.1% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($11,672 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 489.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Georgia (about $56,048 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $11,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113% higher at Vanderbilt than at University of Georgia (about $35,810 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $31,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Georgia than at Vanderbilt University (89% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 451.7% larger than aid received by University of Georgia students ($64,404 vs. $11,674).

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Georgia 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 Georgia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 160 points higher than at Georgia (1380).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Georgia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Georgia 1270/1480; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Georgia 29/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Georgia - Required; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Georgia Jan 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Georgia students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Georgia has a higher acceptance rate (37.7%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.3% at Georgia vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Georgia 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 Georgia's (82%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $26,700 more per year than Georgia graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $56,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $5,146 lower median loan debt than Georgia graduates ($14,000 vs. $19,146).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Georgia graduates ($144 vs. $197).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Georgia students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 67%)

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.