Vanderbilt University vs California State University-Los Angeles

Nashville, TN — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location Nashville, TN Los Angeles, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 7,208 19,562
Acceptance Rate 5.9% 91.3%
SAT Average 1,549
In-State Tuition $67,498 $7,160
Out-of-State Tuition $67,498 $19,760
Avg Net Price $15,846 $3,967
Median Debt at Graduation $14,000 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 93.1% 52.8%
Retention Rate 96.3% 71.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $73,909 $45,702
Median Earnings (10 yr) $91,565 $59,211
Loan Repayment Rate 84500.0% 569900.0%

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

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Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Vanderbilt University and California State University-Los Angeles compare?
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. California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Vanderbilt University or California State University-Los Angeles?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $91,565 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Vanderbilt University or California State University-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $15,846.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Vanderbilt University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.1% vs 52.8%.

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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