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Fisk University vs Vanderbilt University

Fisk University is a private university in Nashville, 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 37% at Fisk University. Vanderbilt University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,846 a year against $32,020 at Fisk University. About 93% of students graduate at Vanderbilt University, compared with 35% at Fisk University. Ten years after enrolling, Vanderbilt University alumni earn a median of about $91,565, against $45,454 for Fisk University.

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Fisk University

Nashville, TN · Private

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,035
7,208
Acceptance rate
37%
6%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1510
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,020
$15,846
Full cost / yr
$39,450
$89,590
In-state tuition
$25,858
$67,498
Out-of-state tuition
$25,858
$67,498
Application fee
$35
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,647
$3,414
$30k - $48k
$32,474
$1,876
$48k - $75k
$34,204
$4,498
$75k - $110k
$34,974
$12,153
Over $110k
$26,678
$45,145
Outcomes
Graduation rate
35%
93%
Freshman retention
74%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,604
$73,909
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,454
$91,565
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
52%
20%
First-generation students
27%
12%
International students
0%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 15
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Fisk University or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 37% at Fisk 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, Fisk University or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,020 at Fisk 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 Fisk University and Vanderbilt University?
Before aid, Fisk University costs about $39,450 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, Fisk University or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,414 there, against about $27,647 at Fisk University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fisk University or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is the larger of the two, with about 7,208 undergraduates against 1,035 at Fisk University.
Does Fisk University or Vanderbilt University have a better graduation rate?
Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 35% at Fisk University.
Do graduates of Fisk 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 $45,454 for Fisk University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fisk University and Vanderbilt University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fisk 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 Fisk University and Vanderbilt University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1510 at Fisk University and 1500–1570 at Vanderbilt University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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