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Colleges / TN / Nashville
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Vanderbilt University

Private nonprofit Nashville, TN · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
93%
Graduation Rate
$91,565
Earnings (10yr)
$15,846
Net Price
6%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Vanderbilt University attracts motivated students who are ready to dive into rigorous programs. Located in Nashville, this school is particularly appealing to those interested in Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Psychology. The small enrollment of about 7,200 means students often benefit from smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit academic community where collaboration thrives.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, Vanderbilt graduates can expect to earn a median salary of $91,565 within ten years. This impressive figure reflects the university's strong emphasis on career readiness and networking opportunities. While the data on mobility isn't available, the high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the support students receive, which can help them move into successful careers.

When it comes to the financial aspect, students can expect a net price of around $15,846 after aid, which is quite manageable given the potential earnings. With a median debt of $14,000, graduates usually leave with a reasonable financial burden. Students who thrive here are often those who are driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the university's resources to achieve their goals.

Rankings

How Vanderbilt Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation93%Earnings 10yr$92KNet Price$16KRetention96%Median Debt$14KPell Grant Rate20%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$3K$0-30K$2K$30-48K$4K$48-75K$45K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%248.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5929.6%MOBILITY147.18%

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,498
In-State Tuition
$67,498
Out-of-State
$15,846
Avg Net Price
$14,000
Median Debt
20%
Pell Grant Rate
10%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$3,414
Family Income $0–$30K
$1,876
Family Income $30K–$48K
$4,498
Family Income $48K–$75K
$45,145
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$73,909
6 Years After Entry
$84,542
8 Years
$91,565
10 Years
0.15x
Debt-to-Earnings
82%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$73,909 6yr $84,542 8yr $91,565 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

147.18%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5929.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
248.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$197,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.82
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.3%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#51
World Rank
64.9
Teaching
59.5
Research
78.1
Citations
22.1
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

1.291%
Inventor Rate
132
Total Patents
390
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 6%
Retention Rate 96%
SAT Average 1549
ACT Midpoint 35
SAT Range 1500–1570
ACT Range 34–35
Full-Time Faculty 85%
Faculty Salary (mo) $16,361
Diversity Index 0.78
First-Gen Students 12%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 33%
Engineering 11%
Computer Science & IT 9%
Biology & Biomedical 7%
Psychology 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%
Education 3%
Physical Sciences 2%