The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs Vanderbilt University
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is a public university in Chattanooga, TN. Vanderbilt University is a private university in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga about 81%, making Vanderbilt University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,265 a year at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga after aid, and about $15,846 at Vanderbilt University. About 93% of students graduate at Vanderbilt University, compared with 52% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Ten years after enrolling, Vanderbilt University alumni earn a median of about $91,565, against $51,151 for The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,074
7,208
Acceptance rate
81%
6%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1013–1210
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
34–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,265
$15,846
Full cost / yr
$25,489
$89,590
In-state tuition
$10,448
$67,498
Out-of-state tuition
$18,512
$67,498
Application fee
$30
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,876
$3,414
$30k - $48k
$10,919
$1,876
$48k - $75k
$13,594
$4,498
$75k - $110k
$17,374
$12,153
Over $110k
$19,137
$45,145
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
93%
Freshman retention
73%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,209
$73,909
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,151
$91,565
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
20%
First-generation students
29%
12%
International students
1%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Not reported
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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
- Vanderbilt University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 81% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Vanderbilt University?
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,265 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,846 at Vanderbilt 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Vanderbilt University?
- Before aid, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga costs about $25,489 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, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Vanderbilt University?
- Vanderbilt University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,414 there, against about $9,876 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Vanderbilt University?
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is the larger of the two, with about 10,074 undergraduates against 7,208 at Vanderbilt University.
- Does The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Vanderbilt University have a better graduation rate?
- Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 52% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
- Do graduates of The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Vanderbilt University earn more?
- Vanderbilt University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,565 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,151 for The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Vanderbilt University require SAT or ACT scores?
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga requires SAT or ACT scores. Vanderbilt University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Vanderbilt University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1013–1210 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and 1500–1570 at Vanderbilt University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs University of MemphisThe University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs Tennessee Technological UniversityThe University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs East Tennessee State UniversityVanderbilt University vs University of MemphisVanderbilt University vs Tennessee Technological UniversityVanderbilt University vs East Tennessee State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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