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College Comparison

Vanderbilt University vs UNC Chapel Hill: 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

UNC Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricVanderbiltUNC Chapel Hill
Acceptance Rate6.3%wins18.7%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1510–1560wins1370–1530
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–35wins30–34
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,946$39,330wins
Avg Net Price$19,040$12,983wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$91,565wins$72,200
Graduation Rate92.7%wins92.1%
Retention Rate96.4%97.2%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio7:1wins15:1
Total Enrollment7,14320,556wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out UNC Chapel Hill 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
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $91,565

UNC Chapel Hill Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
  • Avg Net Price: $12,983
  • Retention Rate: 97.2%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,556

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