Vanderbilt University vs WashU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St Louis, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Vanderbilt University vs WashU at a glance
Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and WashU 12.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,497 at Vanderbilt University and $13,360 at WashU. Six-year graduation rates are 92.6% and 92.8%, 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 WashU 12.1%, so Vanderbilt University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University and $13,360 at WashU; WashU costs $2,137 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,637 at Vanderbilt University and $2,578 at WashU.
- 92.6% of students graduate within six years at Vanderbilt University, against 92.8% at WashU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,080 for Vanderbilt University and $91,497 for WashU; Vanderbilt University is $7,583 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at Vanderbilt University and $15,250 at WashU.
- Vanderbilt University enrolls 7,208 students (large city) and WashU 7,857 (large suburb).
Side by side
Vanderbilt University and WashU 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 | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.9% | 12.1% |
| Applicants | 47,152 | 33,634 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,497 | $13,360 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,226 | $69,594 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,226 | $69,594 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,142 | $92,523 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,637 | $2,578 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,908 | $589 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,651 | $7,361 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,284 | $15,636 |
| Over $110,000 | $42,583 | $47,130 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.6% | 92.8% |
| First-year retention | 96.3% | 95% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,080 | $91,497 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $15,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $173 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,208 | 7,857 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Nashville, TN | Saint Louis, MO |
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 WashU 85; 41 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Vanderbilt University vs WashU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Vanderbilt University or WashU?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants and WashU admits 12.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Vanderbilt University 1500–1570; WashU 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or WashU?
WashU has the lower average net price after grants: $15,497 a year at Vanderbilt University against $13,360 at WashU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,637 and $2,578. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Vanderbilt University or WashU graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at the median: $99,080 ten years after entry for Vanderbilt University and $91,497 for WashU. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $15,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Vanderbilt University or WashU?
WashU does: 92.6% of Vanderbilt University students graduate within six years, against 92.8% at WashU.
How big are Vanderbilt University and WashU?
Vanderbilt University has 7,208 students in Nashville, TN and WashU has 7,857 students in Saint Louis, MO.