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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Vanderbilt University

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public university in Knoxville, 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 42% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Vanderbilt University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,846 a year against $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. About 93% of students graduate at Vanderbilt University, compared with 74% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Ten years after enrolling, Vanderbilt University alumni earn a median of about $91,565, against $60,249 for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
30,418
7,208
Acceptance rate
42%
6%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1370
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
34–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,976
$15,846
Full cost / yr
$33,678
$89,590
In-state tuition
$13,812
$67,498
Out-of-state tuition
$33,256
$67,498
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,029
$3,414
$30k - $48k
$12,162
$1,876
$48k - $75k
$18,206
$4,498
$75k - $110k
$23,627
$12,153
Over $110k
$25,688
$45,145
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
93%
Freshman retention
92%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,782
$73,909
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,249
$91,565
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
20%
First-generation students
25%
12%
International students
1%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 42% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 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-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 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-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University?
Before aid, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville costs about $33,678 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-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,414 there, against about $10,029 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the larger of the two, with about 30,418 undergraduates against 7,208 at Vanderbilt University.
Does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University have a better graduation rate?
Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 74% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Do graduates of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University earn more?
Vanderbilt University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,565 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,249 for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1370 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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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