East Tennessee State University vs Vanderbilt University
East Tennessee State University is a public university in Johnson City, TN, and Vanderbilt University is a private university in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 6% of applicants against 86% at East Tennessee State University. Vanderbilt University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,846 a year against $15,983 at East Tennessee State University. About 93% of students graduate at Vanderbilt University, compared with 52% at East Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Vanderbilt University alumni earn a median of about $91,565, against $44,859 for East Tennessee State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Johnson City, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,004
7,208
Acceptance rate
86%
6%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1200
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,983
$15,846
Full cost / yr
$27,042
$89,590
In-state tuition
$10,472
$67,498
Out-of-state tuition
$14,522
$67,498
Application fee
$25
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,433
$3,414
$30k - $48k
$14,289
$1,876
$48k - $75k
$16,400
$4,498
$75k - $110k
$20,588
$12,153
Over $110k
$21,193
$45,145
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
93%
Freshman retention
76%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,704
$73,909
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,859
$91,565
Median debt at graduation
$19,442
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
20%
First-generation students
38%
12%
International students
2%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 22
Jan 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is East Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
- Vanderbilt University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 86% at East Tennessee State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, East Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University?
- Vanderbilt University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,983 at East Tennessee State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at East Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University?
- Before aid, East Tennessee State University costs about $27,042 a year and Vanderbilt University about $89,590. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, East Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University?
- Vanderbilt University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,414 there, against about $12,433 at East Tennessee State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, East Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University?
- East Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 10,004 undergraduates against 7,208 at Vanderbilt University.
- Does East Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University have a better graduation rate?
- Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 52% at East Tennessee State University.
- Do graduates of East Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University earn more?
- Vanderbilt University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,565 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,859 for East Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do East Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University require SAT or ACT scores?
- East Tennessee State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Vanderbilt University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do East Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1200 at East Tennessee State University and 1500–1570 at Vanderbilt University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
East Tennessee State University vs University of MemphisEast Tennessee State University vs Tennessee Technological UniversityEast Tennessee State University vs The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaVanderbilt University vs University of MemphisVanderbilt University vs Tennessee Technological UniversityVanderbilt University vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school