University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) vs Vanderbilt
When it comes to higher education, University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University stand out as two of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. Both offer a world-class education, but there are some key differences between the two that prospective students should consider. From acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates, this side-by-side comparison will help you understand the unique strengths and characteristics of each university. Dive into the comparison table to discover which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting you on the path to success in your chosen field.
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![]() University of Pennsylvania |
![]() Vanderbilt University |
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Overview |
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Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Nashville, Tennessee |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 98.0% | 97.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 5.9% | 7.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$90
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$95
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SAT range | 1480 - 1570 | 1480 - 1570 |
ACT range | 33 - 35 | 34 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 49.0% | 25.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 30.0% | 32.0% |
Total number of applicants | 56,332 | 47,152 |
Total number of admissions given out | 3,304 | 3,368 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,418 | 1,626 |
Yield rate | 73.2% | 48.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $80,496 | $79,538 |
Average net price | $14,578 | $27,553 |
Tuition | $54,652 | $54,840 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$11,358
Meal plan:
$5,946
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Room/dormitory:
$12,000
Meal plan:
$6,376
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
52.0%
Average amount $50,778 |
64.0%
Average amount $49,730 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
9.0%
Average amount $5,030 |
10.0%
Average amount $4,979 |
Students taking out private loans |
2.0%
Average amount $27,160 |
2.0%
Average amount $27,798 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
11,292
Men 44.7% Women 55.3% |
7,111
Men 48.9% Women 51.1% |
Graduate students |
16,746
Men 43.8% Women 56.2% |
6,685
Men 39.5% Women 60.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 82.7% | 89.5% |
International students | 22.8% | 11.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 6,400 | 5,598 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | Yes |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Pennsylvania New York California New Jersey Florida | Tennessee California New York Florida Texas |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 6:1 | 8:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 96.2% | 93.4% |
Dropout rate | 2.8% | 6.4% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
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Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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