Head-to-Head Comparison
Barnard College vs Vanderbilt University
- Barnard Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 17
- Vanderbilt Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Vanderbilt University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,846 vs Barnard College's $28,800, Vanderbilt University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Vanderbilt University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Barnard
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Vanderbilt
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Barnard College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,846, roughly $12,954 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Barnard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (29% of degrees); Vanderbilt in Social Sciences (31%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Vanderbilt University over Barnard College. Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment vs $80,516.
Pick Vanderbilt University over Barnard College. Net price $15,846 vs $28,800.
Pick Barnard College over Vanderbilt University. 3.5% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Barnard College and Vanderbilt University are close on paper, but Vanderbilt University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Vanderbilt University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while Barnard College takes 9%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,549.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Vanderbilt University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Vanderbilt University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,846, about $12,954 a year below Barnard College's $28,800. Graduates of Vanderbilt University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $18,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $51,816 before any change in aid. Choosing Vanderbilt University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Vanderbilt University graduates report median earnings of $91,565, compared with $80,516 at Barnard College. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Vanderbilt University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Barnard College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.5%; at Vanderbilt University, it is 1.5%. Barnard College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Barnard College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Vanderbilt University to keep costs and debt down; pick Barnard College if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, with a 6% admit rate, but Barnard College posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.5%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Barnard College concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while Vanderbilt University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,800 runs well above Vanderbilt University's $15,846.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,000, against $14,000 at Vanderbilt University.
- Engineering-focused students: Vanderbilt University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Vanderbilt University's enrollment of 7,208 far exceeds Barnard College's 3,264.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Vanderbilt holds onto its admits more tightly: 78% of admitted students enroll, versus 67% at Barnard — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Barnard (33.1% Early Decision admit rate vs 14.1%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Barnard College
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, Barnard College attracts a driven and academically ambitious group of students. It's a great fit for those who are passionate about the liberal arts and sciences, and you’ll find a vibrant selection of programs here, including Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and the Visual and Performing Arts. The close-knit community in the heart of New York City offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and cultural experiences.
After graduation, Barnard alumni see impressive earnings, with a median income of $80,516 after ten years. This level of financial success is a clear indicator of the value of a Barnard degree in today’s job market. The school’s strong graduation rate of 93% speaks volumes about student support and engagement, making it likely that graduates will find their footing in a competitive landscape.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid stands at $28,800, which is manageable given the potential earning power of graduates. With a median debt of $18,000, students tend to graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive here are often those who are not only academically inclined but also eager to engage with the diverse opportunities the city has to offer, making Barnard a launching pad for future success.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
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 They Appear On
Vanderbilt University is featured on the Best Colleges in Tennessee ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 29% of Barnard's student body and 31% of Vanderbilt's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Barnard) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Vanderbilt).
The two schools feed different job markets. Barnard College is strongest in Psychology, while Vanderbilt University concentrates in Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Barnard College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 9% at Barnard College.
Which is more affordable, Barnard College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,846 after aid versus $28,800 at Barnard College.
Do Barnard College or Vanderbilt University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,516 at Barnard College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Barnard College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 93%.
Barnard College vs Vanderbilt University: which is better for social mobility?
Barnard College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.5% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Barnard College or Vanderbilt University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Vanderbilt University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Barnard College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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