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College Comparison

University of Pennsylvania vs Vanderbilt University

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

University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
Vanderbilt University
#19
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Nashville, TN

Total Enrollment

29,109

13,575

Undergrad Enrollment

11,478

7,221

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

5.4%

5.9%

Average GPA

3.96

3.93

SAT Range

1510–1570

1500–1570

ACT Range

34–36

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$50

Total Applicants

65,226

45,409


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$75,386

$80,184

Avg Net Price

$31,229

$19,040

Tuition (In-State)

$56,212

$58,130

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$56,212

$58,130

Room & Board

$19,174

$22,054

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$65,458

$64,404


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

99.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$111,371

$91,565

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Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%, while Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Penn is more selective than Vanderbilt University.

The average net price at Penn is $31,229 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $12,189 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Penn typically score between 1510-1570 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.

Penn has a graduation rate of 96%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Penn has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, 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 Penn, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $65,458. At Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.

The median earnings for Penn graduates 10 years after enrollment is $111,371, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt University graduates. Graduates from Penn tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.