Memphis vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Memphis vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis 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 Memphis than Vanderbilt ($12,756 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 48.6% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($11,342 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 529.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $56,770 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 338.8% higher at Vanderbilt than at University of Memphis (about $52,114 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at Vanderbilt University (92% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 446.1% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($64,404 vs. $11,793).

Memphis vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Memphis 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 Memphis.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 490 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 915/1180; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 18/24; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Memphis vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis 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 Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $40,900 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $11,250 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($144 vs. $261).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 37%)

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.