University of Virginia vs Vanderbilt University

University of Virginia vs Vanderbilt University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia (UVA) are high-end U.S. universities with solid academic reputations, although Vanderbilt tends to rank higher globally. Vanderbilt comes in approximately 250th and UVA nearer 275th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Times Higher Education places Vanderbilt at #90, and UVA at approximately #163, which is indicative of Vanderbilt's slightly better global profile.

In subject areas, Vanderbilt tops in Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Education, and Interdisciplinary Studies, with highest rankings in Medicine, Health & Society and Human Development. UVA excels especially in Law (#4 nationwide), Public Policy, Business, and Humanities, with high rankings in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Vanderbilt's research-intensive focus and private support provide it with an advantage in specialized graduate programs, while UVA performs well in liberal arts and leadership-based fields.

General Information

Vanderbilt University, established in 1873, is situated in Nashville, Tennessee, a thriving urban hub. It possesses a total of around 13,456 students, out of which 7,152 are undergraduates. The University of Virginia, which was founded in 1819, is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a traditional college town, with a bigger student body of around 25,924, out of which 17,320 are undergraduates.

Vanderbilt features a small, intimate campus with an emphasis on faculty-student interaction and cross-disciplinary learning. UVA features a larger, public campus with Jeffersonian architecture and a long-standing tradition of civic leadership and undergraduate excellence.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities have very competitive admissions. Vanderbilt's is around 6.3%, whereas UVA's is about 17%. Vanderbilt students generally have SAT scores of 1510–1560 and ACT scores ranging from 34–35, while UVA's accepted students have an average of 1410–1530 SAT and 32–34 ACT.

Both institutions are test-optional and practice holistic reviews. Vanderbilt is more selective for programs in engineering and pre-med, whereas UVA has strict standards in liberal arts, law, and public policy.

Research Impact & Facilities

Vanderbilt's research infrastructure features the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Peabody College of Education, as well as advanced labs in neuroscience, data science, and biomedical engineering. It has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, allowing for intensive mentorship and high-impact research.

UVA's research environment includes the Darden School of Business, School of Law, and the Center for Politics, with public health, sustainability, and digital humanities as areas of strength. UVA's size allows for larger interdisciplinary projects and community-engaged scholarship.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both institutions are costly, although Vanderbilt is much more expensive. Vanderbilt has a cost of tuition of $61,618, whereas UVA costs in-state students $17,490 and out-of-state students $53,836. Vanderbilt's net price averages $26,689 compared to UVA's $17,831.

Vanderbilt provides generous aid, with 66% of students getting grants and an average award of $57,723. UVA assists 28% of students with an average grant of $29,675. Vanderbilt's private resources enable higher-aid packages, while UVA's affordability aids in-state students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Vanderbilt graduates have a median salary of $83,100 after ten years of graduation, with excellent placement in medicine, consulting, education, and tech. The top employers are Amazon, Bain & Company, Microsoft, and Accenture, backed by an engaged alumni network and career services.

UVA alumni have a median income of $77,200, with excellence in law, government, business, and public service. Companies such as Capital One, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and EY hire UVA students. UVA alumni are well known for civic, legal, and policy leadership.