Vanderbilt University vs University of Richmond: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Vanderbilt University and University of Richmond, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Vanderbilt University vs University of Richmond at a glance
Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and University of Richmond 22.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,497 at Vanderbilt University and $34,256 at University of Richmond. Six-year graduation rates are 92.6% and 86.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and University of Richmond 22.2%, so Vanderbilt University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University and $34,256 at University of Richmond; Vanderbilt University costs $18,759 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,637 at Vanderbilt University and $21,456 at University of Richmond.
- 92.6% of students graduate within six years at Vanderbilt University, against 86.5% at University of Richmond.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,080 for Vanderbilt University and $92,362 for University of Richmond; Vanderbilt University is $6,718 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at Vanderbilt University and $21,500 at University of Richmond.
- Vanderbilt University enrolls 7,208 students (large city) and University of Richmond 2,980 (midsize city).
Side by side
Vanderbilt University and University of Richmond in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Vanderbilt University | University of Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.9% | 22.2% |
| Applicants | 47,152 | 13,955 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1410–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,497 | $34,256 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,226 | $67,840 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,226 | $67,840 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,142 | $84,768 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,637 | $21,456 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,908 | $10,079 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,651 | $16,251 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,284 | $44,118 |
| Over $110,000 | $42,583 | $44,084 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.6% | 86.5% |
| First-year retention | 96.3% | 90.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,080 | $92,362 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,208 | 2,980 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Nashville, TN | University of Richmond, VA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Vanderbilt University reports 53 bachelor's programs and University of Richmond 42; 27 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Vanderbilt University vs University of Richmond
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Vanderbilt University or University of Richmond?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and University of Richmond admits 22.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Vanderbilt University 1500–1570; University of Richmond 1410–1530.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or University of Richmond?
Vanderbilt University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University against $34,256 at University of Richmond. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,637 and $21,456. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Vanderbilt University or University of Richmond graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at the median: $99,080 ten years after entry for Vanderbilt University and $92,362 for University of Richmond. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Vanderbilt University or University of Richmond?
Vanderbilt University does: 92.6% of Vanderbilt University students graduate within six years, against 86.5% at University of Richmond.
How big are Vanderbilt University and University of Richmond?
Vanderbilt University has 7,208 students in Nashville, TN and University of Richmond has 2,980 students in University of Richmond, VA.