College Comparison
Stanford 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Stanford | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9%wins | 6.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,484wins | $63,946 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,136wins | $19,040 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $124,080wins | $91,565 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.8%wins | 92.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,841wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stanford edges out Vanderbilt on 8 of 8 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.
Stanford Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,484
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,136
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $124,080
Vanderbilt Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.