College Comparison
Santa Clara University vs Vanderbilt University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Nashville, TN
Total Enrollment
9,728
13,575
Undergrad Enrollment
6,577
7,221
Student-Faculty Ratio
11:1
8:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
48.0%
5.9%
Average GPA
3.74
3.93
SAT Range
1350–1490
1500–1570
ACT Range
31–33
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$70
$50
Total Applicants
18,970
45,409
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$76,773
$80,184
Avg Net Price
$50,959
$19,040
Tuition (In-State)
$56,880
$58,130
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$56,880
$58,130
Room & Board
$19,893
$22,054
% Receiving Aid
71.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$28,368
$64,404
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
85.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$109,183
$91,565
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Explore by Location
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Santa Clara University is $50,959 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $31,919 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Santa Clara University typically score between 1350-1490 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.
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Santa Clara University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, 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 Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $28,368. At Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.
The median earnings for Santa Clara University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $109,183, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt University graduates. Graduates from Santa Clara University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.

