U of R vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

U of R vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R 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 U of R ($25,186 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rochester are 10.3% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($19,792 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $418 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at Vanderbilt than at University of Rochester (about $418 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Vanderbilt University (72% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 41.5% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($64,404 vs. $45,500).

U of R vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R 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 U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 60 points higher than at U of R (1480).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at U of R).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at U of R (3.75).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

U of R vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R 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 Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($14,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($144 vs. $253).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 79%)

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.