Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Ohio State Top Majors
BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineeringVanderbilt Top Majors
EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation
Need Help Choosing Between Ohio State & Vanderbilt?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio State or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Vanderbilt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.6% compared to 52.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 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 Ohio State or Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Vanderbilt have a higher average starting salary ($76,800 vs $63,500). 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?+
Ohio State has a 19:1 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 Ohio State and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.