Emory University vs Vanderbilt University

Emory University vs Vanderbilt University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Emory and Vanderbilt are U.S. top-tier private research universities considered as "Harvard of the South." In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Vanderbilt is ranked at approximately #250, whereas Emory stands at around #182. According to Times Higher Education, Emory ranks at #98, whereas Vanderbilt ranks at #90, revealing fierce rivalry in world reputation.

In subject rankings, Emory ranks high in Medicine, Public Health, Law, and Business, and has good placements in Psychology and Theology. Vanderbilt is ranked very high in Education, Engineering, Law, and Music, and stands particularly out for its Peabody College of Education and Blair School of Music. Both universities rank strongly in Social Sciences and Humanities, although Emory is stronger on health and policy, and Vanderbilt excels in STEM and interdisciplinary arts.

General Information

Emory is in Atlanta, Georgia, and has a student enrollment of approximately 15,000, with four undergraduate colleges and seven graduate/professional schools. Vanderbilt, which is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, has a slightly lower student enrollment of 13,456, and features four undergraduate schools with an equally strong liberal arts, engineering, and music component. Both campuses are urban, lively, and highly integrated into the cultural and professional life of their respective cities.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions are extremely competitive at both schools. Emory has an acceptance rate of roughly 11.1%, whereas Vanderbilt is more selective at 6.3%. Vanderbilt students have slightly higher GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. Both schools are test-optional, and focus on student-led holistic review, with an emphasis on leadership, service, and academic challenge.

Research Impact & Facilities

Emory is a biomedical science research powerhouse with strong connections to major hospitals and the CDC. It has more than 100 research centers, such as the Winship Cancer Institute and Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Vanderbilt has more than 100 institutes, with research strengths in engineering, neuroscience, and education, and features the Vanderbilt Institute for Digital Learning and the Dyer Observatory. Both institutions have state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and interdisciplinary centers.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition at Vanderbilt is slightly more expensive at $61,618/year compared to Emory's $59,920/year. Room and board expenses are also greater at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt does, however, provide more full-tuition aid, with 66% of students having an average grant of $57,723 compared to Emory's 46% receiving $50,828. Both meet 100% of demonstrated need and fund international students.

Career Outcomes & Success of Alumni

Vanderbilt graduates have a median income of $83,100 ten years after graduation, while that of Emory alumni is approximately $81,500. Emory's alumni are strong in medicine, law, public health, and business, while Vanderbilt's are strong in education, engineering, music, and policy. The graduation rates for both institutions are over 90%, and the alumni are renowned for leadership roles in academia, healthcare, and civic life. Emory has a penchant for global health and policy professional careers, while Vanderbilt provides wider scope in innovation and cross-disciplinary areas.