University of Tennessee vs Vanderbilt University

The University of Tennessee vs Vanderbilt University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UTK and Vanderbilt are both well-respected research universities, but Vanderbilt far surpasses UTK on a host of national and international metrics. UTK is solid across disciplines such as Engineering, Agriculture, Energy, and has strategic alliances (e.g. with Oak Ridge National Laboratory), which places it in a better position for research in applied sciences. Vanderbilt is outstanding in a large number of areas such as Medicine, Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, and Engineering, and is generally known for high research productivity, particularly for private schools. Vanderbilt's small size and selective enrollment enhance its reputation.

General Information

UTK is established in 1794 and functions with big student populace — approximately 38,728 total students with ~ 30,564 undergraduates. Vanderbilt, which was founded in 1873, has around 7,151 undergraduates and a bigger overall number with graduate/professional students. UTK has a very wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees under its numerous colleges; Vanderbilt also has numerous graduate, professional, and research programs, though the scope of UTK in terms of student body is bigger. UTK is a very large campus with numerous facilities for extension and research; Vanderbilt, though smaller, has high investment in facilities and high endowment per student.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UTK's acceptance rate is ~ 46% according to recent statistics, which is quite comparable to moderately selective public research universities. UTK's middle 50% range of SAT scores for entering first-time freshmen (who apply) is ~ 1190-1340; ACT range ~ 25-31. Vanderbilt's acceptance is significantly narrower, in the single digits, which indicates high selectivity. Vanderbilt accepts students with more superior academic measures on average. UTK's retention rate (first-year to second-year) is high, ~ 91-92%.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both are ranked as R1 research institutions. UTK has much investment in research facilities, more than 300 degree programs, and has partners and research funding (federal included). Vanderbilt has more research output per capita with massive grant funding, famous research centers, medical center, etc. Vanderbilt has greater citation impact and research breadth in more highly ranked fields internationally.

Cost & Financial Aid

UTK's price for in-state is much lower than out-of-state; UTK also provides financial aid to students. Vanderbilt, being private, has much, much higher sticker price, but provides huge amounts of scholarships / aid. The net cost at Vanderbilt to many students might be high before aid, but for students receiving need-based or merit assistance the load is lessened.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UTK's six-year grad rate of ~ 73.5% is good, but not as good as Vanderbilt's ~ 93-94%. UTK grads make fairly well, particularly five years after grad (~ US$61,600 in more recent data) but Vanderbilt grads are better paid long-term; 10-year post-entry median reported for alumni is ~ US$83,100. Vanderbilt enjoys strong reputation, strong alumni network, excellent job/placement rates, especially for those in high-paying fields.