University of Tennessee vs Vanderbilt University

University of Tennessee vs Vanderbilt University

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University of Tennessee (UT Knoxville) is a public flagship research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. It has a big student population with more than 33,000 students. The admissions are moderately competitive with the acceptance rate of almost 46%. The most popular majors are Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Health Professions. The six-year graduation rate is nearly 72%, and the graduates have a median salary of about INR 54–58 lakhs annually ($65,000).

Vanderbilt University is a world-renowned private research institution in Nashville, Tennessee. It admits approximately 13,800 students, of which 7,000 are undergraduates. Admission is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of about 7%. The best majors are Social Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Education. The graduation rate within six years is 93%, and Vanderbilt alumni have a median salary of about INR 1.08–1.15 crore annually ($130,000 ten years post-graduation).

Overview Comparison
University of Tennessee MartinVanderbilt University
ProgramsUG Programs -30
PG Programs -4
UG Programs -49
PG Programs -45
Acceptance Rate87.0 %6.3 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6
TOEFL-61
GMAT-670
IELTS-7
SAT-1440
TOEFL-89
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   11410
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  12154
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 19562 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   52780
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  35475
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 11540 Per Year
Campuses and B-SchoolsNAOwen Graduate School of Management
CollegeDunia Reviews10.0/10 Read 1 reviews9.2/10 Read 1 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

exam scoresGMAT - 490/800IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 71/120Duolingo - 130/160GRE - 311/340IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -12154Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -62750
application datesSep 15, 2024 (Grant Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake)
May 31, 2025 (Grant Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake)
Jan 1, 2024 (Early Decision 2 Deadline For 2024 Intake)
Jan 1, 2024 (Regular Decision Deadline For 2024 Intake)
Nov 1, 2024 (Early Decision 1 Deadline For 2024 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of Tennessee MartinVanderbilt University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1900
1873
Student:Faculty Ratio15:1
3:1
Male:Female41% Male, 59% Female49% Male, 51% Female
Location Facts

Located sothwest of downtown West End Avenue, Vanderbilt University is roughly nine miles from Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. It is surrounded by cityscape of Nationville.


Library

The heard libraries of Vanderbilt have 2,993,999 print items collection, 2,801,503 electronic items collection, 38,627 linear feet in special collection and university archives. It also has 1,118,709 TV and news collection.


Campus Life

You can indulge in various co-curriculars through 430 student organizations and clubs, various events and activities are celebrated throughout the academic year. It also has field 16 varisty sports teams, 40 sports clubs and 40 intramural sports being offered to student. There are also a variety of eating options on campus. 


Hostel#Off campus (with family) - $5518
#On campus - $5976
#Off campus (not with family) - $8068
#On campus - $11540
Famous Alumni

Al Gore (former vice-president of US), James Patterson (author), Mhd. Yunnus (Bangladesi social entrepreneur), Jay Cutler (football quarterback), Lamar Alexander (US senator), David Farr (CEO Emerson Electric), Rossane Cash (singer-songwriter), Robert Penn Warren (poet), James Dickey (poet).


City Life

Nashville is culturally rich, commercial hub in the south. It is highly acknowledged for its rich music culture. Nashville has a lot to offer like musical hall of fame, museums, belcourt, metro parks, state parks, etc. There are 30,000 lakes that add on to Nashvilles natural beauty. The unemployement rate for June 2020 is 10.2%. 


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Tennessee vs Vanderbilt University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Vanderbilt always falls within the top 100 universities globally, usually in the #18 in US News Ranking, #250 in QS ranking and #90 in Times Higher Education rankings. UT Knoxville places about #607 in QS ranking, #109 in US News ranking and #301-350 in Times Higher Education rankings, with special strength in engineering, agriculture, and supply chain management. Subject-wise, Vanderbilt leads in medicine, education, economics, and law, but UT is highly ranked for engineering, business, and agricultural sciences.

General Information

UT Knoxville, being a public flagship institution, provides a big, lively campus life with high sports culture and low in-state tuition. Vanderbilt, smaller and more selective, offers a more personalized and research-focused academic experience within the same state, frequently deemed Tennessee's "Ivy League" equal.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UT Knoxville admissions are relatively competitive, accommodating a diverse population of students, with acceptance rates of around 46%. Vanderbilt's admissions are highly selective, and only around 7 out of every 100 students are admitted and the acceptance rate of 7%. Vanderbilt also demands higher standardized test scores and GPAs than UT.

Research Impact & Facilities

Vanderbilt is a top research force, especially in medical and healthcare-related research with its Vanderbilt University Medical Center. UT Knoxville's areas of strength in research include energy (tightly affiliated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory), agriculture, and supply chain management. Both universities play significant roles in research innovation in the state, although Vanderbilt is number one worldwide in research impact.

Cost & Financial Aid

As a state university, UT Knoxville is much cheaper, particularly for in-state students, with the cost of tuition averaging $13,000–15,000 per year (in-state) and $31,000 (out-of-state). Vanderbilt, as a private school, costs about $60,000 in tuition, but it has highly generous need-based financial aid and scholarships, frequently bringing costs down significantly for high-achieving students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Vanderbilt alumni have terrific career prospects, with excellent placement in law, medicine, finance, and consulting companies, as well as a powerful alumni network. UT Knoxville graduates also perform well regionally, particularly in engineering, business, and health care. Although Vanderbilt is recognized internationally and possesses greater median salaries, UT Knoxville is a great value, particularly for students who will be working within Tennessee or the southeastern United States.