College Comparison
Vanderbilt University vs Northwestern 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
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
School
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Vanderbilt | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.3%wins | 7.1% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1560wins | 1490–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,946wins | $65,997 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,040wins | $27,143 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $91,565wins | $89,363 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 95.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.4% | 97.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 7,143 | 8,960wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out Northwestern 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.
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,946
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.9%
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.4%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,960
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