Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs Vanderbilt University

Troy, NY — Nashville, TN

Metric
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Location Troy, NY Nashville, TN
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 5,714 7,208
Acceptance Rate 63.5% 5.9%
SAT Average 1,456 1,549
In-State Tuition $64,081 $67,498
Out-of-State Tuition $64,081 $67,498
Avg Net Price $36,228 $15,846
Median Debt at Graduation $23,750 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.4% 93.1%
Retention Rate 90.7% 96.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $83,054 $73,909
Median Earnings (10 yr) $102,051 $91,565
Loan Repayment Rate 189900.0% 84500.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
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Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Vanderbilt University compare?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) has an acceptance rate of 63.5%, in-state tuition of $64,081, and median 10-year earnings of $102,051. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, in-state tuition of $67,498, and median 10-year earnings of $91,565.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Vanderbilt University?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,051 vs $91,565. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Vanderbilt University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Vanderbilt University is the more affordable option at $15,846 per year versus $36,228.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Vanderbilt University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.1% vs 83.4%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025