College Comparison
WashU (St. Louis) 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
WashU (St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | WashU | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 12.0% | 6.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,982wins | $63,946 |
| Avg Net Price | $22,117 | $19,040wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $86,182 | $91,565wins |
| Graduation Rate | 94.5%wins | 92.7% |
| Retention Rate | 95.9% | 96.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,897wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out WashU 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.
WashU Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,982
- ✓Graduation Rate: 94.5%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,897
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,040
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.