Vanderbilt University vs Wake Forest University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Vanderbilt University vs Wake Forest University at a glance
Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and Wake Forest University 21.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,497 at Vanderbilt University and $28,165 at Wake Forest University. Six-year graduation rates are 92.6% and 90.3%, 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 Wake Forest University 21.7%, so Vanderbilt University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University and $28,165 at Wake Forest University; Vanderbilt University costs $12,668 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,637 at Vanderbilt University and $6,242 at Wake Forest University.
- 92.6% of students graduate within six years at Vanderbilt University, against 90.3% at Wake Forest University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,080 for Vanderbilt University and $104,443 for Wake Forest University; Wake Forest University is $5,363 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at Vanderbilt University and $19,500 at Wake Forest University.
- Vanderbilt University enrolls 7,208 students (large city) and Wake Forest University 5,485 (midsize city).
Side by side
Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University 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 | Wake Forest University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.9% | 21.7% |
| Applicants | 47,152 | 15,156 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1410–1520 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 32–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,497 | $28,165 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,226 | $70,332 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,226 | $70,332 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,142 | $91,202 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,637 | $6,242 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,908 | $6,576 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,651 | $14,876 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,284 | $13,571 |
| Over $110,000 | $42,583 | $65,247 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.6% | 90.3% |
| First-year retention | 96.3% | 92.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,080 | $104,443 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,208 | 5,485 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Nashville, TN | Winston-Salem, NC |
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 Wake Forest University 39; 27 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Vanderbilt University vs Wake Forest University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Vanderbilt University or Wake Forest University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and Wake Forest University admits 21.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Vanderbilt University 1500–1570; Wake Forest University 1410–1520.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or Wake Forest University?
Vanderbilt University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University against $28,165 at Wake Forest University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,637 and $6,242. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Vanderbilt University or Wake Forest University graduates earn more?
Wake Forest University graduates earn more at the median: $99,080 ten years after entry for Vanderbilt University and $104,443 for Wake Forest University. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Vanderbilt University or Wake Forest University?
Vanderbilt University does: 92.6% of Vanderbilt University students graduate within six years, against 90.3% at Wake Forest University.
How big are Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University?
Vanderbilt University has 7,208 students in Nashville, TN and Wake Forest University has 5,485 students in Winston-Salem, NC.