University of Memphis vs Vanderbilt University
University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, TN. Vanderbilt University is a private university in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants and University of Memphis about 72%, making Vanderbilt University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,397 a year at University of Memphis after aid, and about $15,846 at Vanderbilt University. About 93% of students graduate at Vanderbilt University, compared with 50% at University of Memphis. Ten years after enrolling, Vanderbilt University alumni earn a median of about $91,565, against $48,458 for University of Memphis.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,701
7,208
Acceptance rate
72%
6%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
915–1180
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
34–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,397
$15,846
Full cost / yr
$25,169
$89,590
In-state tuition
$10,728
$67,498
Out-of-state tuition
$15,384
$67,498
Application fee
$25
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,607
$3,414
$30k - $48k
$10,968
$1,876
$48k - $75k
$13,923
$4,498
$75k - $110k
$17,384
$12,153
Over $110k
$18,691
$45,145
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
93%
Freshman retention
77%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,921
$73,909
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,458
$91,565
Median debt at graduation
$23,300
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
20%
First-generation students
37%
12%
International students
2%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 1
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 University of Memphis or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
- Vanderbilt University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 72% at University of Memphis. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of Memphis or Vanderbilt University?
- University of Memphis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,397 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 University of Memphis and Vanderbilt University?
- Before aid, University of Memphis costs about $25,169 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, University of Memphis or Vanderbilt University?
- Vanderbilt University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,414 there, against about $10,607 at University of Memphis. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Memphis or Vanderbilt University?
- University of Memphis is the larger of the two, with about 12,701 undergraduates against 7,208 at Vanderbilt University.
- Does University of Memphis or Vanderbilt University have a better graduation rate?
- Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 50% at University of Memphis.
- Do graduates of University of Memphis or Vanderbilt University earn more?
- Vanderbilt University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,565 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,458 for University of Memphis. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Memphis and Vanderbilt University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Memphis 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 University of Memphis and Vanderbilt University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 915–1180 at University of Memphis and 1500–1570 at Vanderbilt University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Memphis vs Tennessee Technological UniversityUniversity of Memphis vs The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaUniversity of Memphis vs East Tennessee State UniversityVanderbilt University vs Tennessee Technological UniversityVanderbilt University vs The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaVanderbilt University vs East Tennessee State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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