Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Texas A&M = $157,300 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Texas A&M Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical ScienceVanderbilt Top Majors
EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Vanderbilt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.6% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Texas A&M or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Texas A&M offers an average of $13,700/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Texas A&M and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at Texas A&M is 1290 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 Texas A&M or Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Vanderbilt have a higher average starting salary ($76,800 vs $66,300). 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?+
Texas A&M 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 Texas A&M and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
Texas A&M is located in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with a 5,200-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. Texas A&M competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.