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Georgia Tech vs Vanderbilt University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
5.6% Vanderbilt acceptance
$141,720 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Founded
1873
Enrollment
14,015
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $28,400
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Vanderbilt
$62,194
Acceptance Rate Vanderbilt more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Vanderbilt
5.6%
Graduation Rate Vanderbilt higher
Georgia Tech
90%
Vanderbilt
93%
Avg SAT Score Vanderbilt higher
Georgia Tech
1450
Vanderbilt
1520
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
Vanderbilt
$76,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech Vanderbilt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$62,194Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$62,194Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$19,672Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%5.6%Vanderbilt
Graduation Rate90%93%Vanderbilt
Average SAT14501520Vanderbilt
Student-Faculty Ratio15:17:1Vanderbilt
Enrollment47,28514,015-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$47,200Vanderbilt
Starting Salary$83,600$76,800Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$10.9BVanderbilt
Campus Size400 acres330 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Vanderbilt Top Majors

EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
VanderbiltUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
Vanderbilt330 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
VanderbiltNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
VanderbiltSouth
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
Vanderbilt1873
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
Vanderbilt14,015

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Vanderbilt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.6% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at Vanderbilt it is 1520. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $76,800). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Vanderbilt has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.