Head-to-Head Comparison
University of San Francisco vs Vanderbilt University
- San Francisco Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 10
- Vanderbilt Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Vanderbilt University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,846 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, 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
San Francisco
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.7%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Vanderbilt
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,846, roughly $25,585 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #51
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
San Francisco graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% 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 University of San Francisco. Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of San Francisco. Net price $15,846 vs $41,431.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of San Francisco. THE World Rank #51 vs #401-500.
Pick University of San Francisco over Vanderbilt University. 2.7% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of San Francisco. 93% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of San Francisco 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 University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,295 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 $25,585 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of Vanderbilt University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $102,340 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 $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Vanderbilt University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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.
Finishing the degree
Vanderbilt University graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 23% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
University of San Francisco does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.7%; at Vanderbilt University, it is 1.5%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of San Francisco 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Vanderbilt University sits higher, at #51 versus #401.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Vanderbilt University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of San Francisco 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 University of San Francisco posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.7%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. University of San Francisco concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, while Vanderbilt University leans toward Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Vanderbilt University's $15,846.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $14,000 at Vanderbilt University.
- Engineering-focused students: Vanderbilt University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Vanderbilt University has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Vanderbilt holds onto its admits more tightly: 78% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at San Francisco (49.4% 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
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
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
San Francisco's top program is Business Administration (18% of enrollment), while Vanderbilt leads with Sociology (31%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Vanderbilt).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of San Francisco is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, while Vanderbilt University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. 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 University of San Francisco or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, University of San Francisco or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,846 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do University of San Francisco or Vanderbilt University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of San Francisco or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 71%.
University of San Francisco vs Vanderbilt University: which is better for social mobility?
University of San Francisco is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.7% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose University of San Francisco or Vanderbilt University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Vanderbilt University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco 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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