Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UPenn = $111,768 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
UPenn Top Majors
FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiologyVanderbilt Top Majors
EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation
Need Help Choosing Between UPenn & 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 UPenn or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 5.6%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Vanderbilt costs less over 4 years ($327,464 vs $328,008). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UPenn offers an average of $54,060/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UPenn and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at UPenn is 1530 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 UPenn or Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 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?+
UPenn has a 6:1 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 UPenn and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
UPenn is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 299-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. UPenn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.