College Comparison
Vanderbilt University vs Wake Forest 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
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Vanderbilt | Wake Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.3%wins | 21.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1560wins | 1390–1510 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 32–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,946wins | $64,758 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,040wins | $28,746 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $91,565wins | $78,158 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 90.9% |
| Retention Rate | 96.4%wins | 94.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1wins | 9:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,143wins | 5,471 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out Wake Forest on 10 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
Wake Forest Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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