College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania 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
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UPenn | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5.9%wins | 6.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,104 | $63,946wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,229 | $19,040wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $111,371wins | $91,565 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 92.7% |
| Retention Rate | 98.1%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 10,768wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UPenn edges out Vanderbilt on 5 of 9 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.
UPenn Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $111,371
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.8%
- ✓Retention Rate: 98.1%
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,946
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,040
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 7:1
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