College Comparison
Vanderbilt University vs Amherst College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Vanderbilt | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.3%wins | 9.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1560wins | 1360–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 31–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,946wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,040 | $18,246wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $91,565wins | $77,644 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.4% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,143wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out Amherst on 6 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.
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,946
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.4%
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
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