College Comparison
UCLA 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
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7% | 6.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $63,946 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $19,040 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511 | $91,565wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 92.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out UCLA 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.
UCLA Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,013
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,040
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $91,565
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.