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College Comparison

Boston University vs Vanderbilt University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Vanderbilt University
#19
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Nashville, TN

Total Enrollment

37,737

13,575

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

7,221

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

5.9%

Average GPA

3.79

3.93

SAT Range

1420–1530

1500–1570

ACT Range

32–34

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$50

Total Applicants

78,769

45,409


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$80,184

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$19,040

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$58,130

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$58,130

Room & Board

$19,020

$22,054

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$64,404


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$91,565

More Comparisons
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Boston is in Boston, MA

Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Vanderbilt University is more selective than Boston University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $7,956 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Vanderbilt University has a ratio of 8:1. Vanderbilt University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt University graduates. Graduates from Vanderbilt University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.