Head-to-Head Comparison
Vanderbilt University vs Washington and Lee University
- Vanderbilt Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 17
- Washington Lee Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Vanderbilt University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington and Lee University achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,781 compared to Vanderbilt University's $15,846. 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
Vanderbilt
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,846, roughly $7,935 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Vanderbilt University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Vanderbilt graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (31% of degrees); Washington Lee in Business & Marketing (32%). 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 Washington and Lee University over Vanderbilt University. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $91,565.
Pick Vanderbilt University over Washington and Lee University. Net price $15,846 vs $23,781.
Pick Vanderbilt University over Washington and Lee University. 1.5% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Vanderbilt University and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Vanderbilt University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,549 to 1,498.
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 $7,935 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of Vanderbilt University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,740 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, Washington and Lee University graduates report median earnings of $94,810, compared with $91,565 at Vanderbilt University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Vanderbilt University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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
Vanderbilt University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.5%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Vanderbilt University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Vanderbilt University 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 Washington and Lee University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Vanderbilt University saves about $7,935 a year, yet Washington and Lee University graduates earn $3,245 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Vanderbilt University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Vanderbilt University has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Vanderbilt University's enrollment of 7,208 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above Vanderbilt University's $15,846.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $14,000 at Vanderbilt University.
- Engineering-focused students: Vanderbilt University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Vanderbilt holds onto its admits more tightly: 78% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Washington Lee (33.9% 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
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.
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.
Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.
When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.
Rankings They Appear On
Vanderbilt University is featured on the Best Colleges in Tennessee ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Vanderbilt's top program is Sociology (31% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Vanderbilt) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Vanderbilt University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Psychology. 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 Vanderbilt University or Washington and Lee University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Vanderbilt University or Washington and Lee University?
Vanderbilt University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,846 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do Vanderbilt University or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more: median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, versus $91,565 at Vanderbilt University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Vanderbilt University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 93%.
Vanderbilt University vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Vanderbilt University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.5% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Vanderbilt University or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Vanderbilt University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Washington and Lee University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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