College Comparison
Cornell University vs Vanderbilt University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2% | 6.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560 | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $63,946wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337 | $19,040wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043wins | $91,565 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1%wins | 92.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out Cornell on 6 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $104,043
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.1%
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 15,935
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,946
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