Head-to-Head Comparison
Vanderbilt University vs Washington University in St Louis
- Vanderbilt Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 13
- Washington St Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Vanderbilt University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington University in St Louis achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,786 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Washington University in St Louis
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,846, roughly $5,940 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 St
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #38
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Vanderbilt graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (31% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick Vanderbilt University over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $15,846 vs $21,786.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Vanderbilt University. THE World Rank #38 vs #51.
Pick Vanderbilt University over Washington University in St Louis. 1.5% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,549 to 1,530.
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 $5,940 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of Vanderbilt University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,760 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 $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Vanderbilt University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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 University in St Louis, it is 1%. Vanderbilt University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Washington University in St Louis sits higher, at #38 versus #51.
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.
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
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Washington University in St Louis ranks higher globally (#38 vs #51), but Vanderbilt University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Vanderbilt University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Vanderbilt competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above Vanderbilt University's $15,846.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $14,000 at Vanderbilt University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Vanderbilt holds onto its admits more tightly: 78% of admitted students enroll, versus 48% at Washington St — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Washington St (27.0% 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 University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
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 St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Vanderbilt) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Vanderbilt University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 University in St Louis?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis.
Which is more affordable, Vanderbilt University or Washington University in St Louis?
Vanderbilt University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,846 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do Vanderbilt University or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, Vanderbilt University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 93%.
Vanderbilt University vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Vanderbilt University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.5% versus 1%.
Should you choose Vanderbilt University or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Vanderbilt University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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