Vanderbilt vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than SMU based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 12,116 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vanderbilt University 8:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Vanderbilt vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanderbilt or SMU? 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 SMU ($25,186 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 13.6% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($19,064 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $458 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Vanderbilt than at Southern Methodist University (about $458 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University as at Southern Methodist University (67% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 71.7% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($64,404 vs. $37,520).

Vanderbilt vs. SMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vanderbilt or SMU? 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 SMU and Vanderbilt.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 120 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at SMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanderbilt University 1500/1570; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanderbilt University 34/35; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanderbilt - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Vanderbilt vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Vanderbilt vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanderbilt and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($14,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($144 vs. $222).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 76%)

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.