Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MIT = $119,760 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
MIT Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiologyVanderbilt Top Majors
EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIT or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 5.6%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MIT or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, MIT costs less over 4 years ($307,320 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MIT offers an average of $46,890/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MIT and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at MIT is 1556 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 MIT or Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 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?+
MIT has a 3:1 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 MIT and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 168-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. MIT competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.