Vanderbilt vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vanderbilt University 8:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Vanderbilt vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanderbilt or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($25,186 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 22.3% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($17,140 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $2,268 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Vanderbilt than at University of Richmond (about $2,268 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at University of Richmond (67% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 26.2% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($64,404 vs. $51,039).

Vanderbilt vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vanderbilt or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and Vanderbilt.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 70 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanderbilt University 1500/1570; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanderbilt University 34/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanderbilt - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Vanderbilt vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Vanderbilt vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanderbilt and University of Richmond? 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 Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $7,148 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($14,000 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($144 vs. $218).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 75%)

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.