Head-to-head

Key differences

The biggest gaps between these schools, largest first.

1. 1

   Columbia has 13 pts more first-gen students than Vanderbilt (25% vs. 12%)

   First-generation students
2. 2

   Columbia grads earn $10.9K more ten years out than Vanderbilt's ($102,491 vs. $91,565)

   Median earnings, 10 yrs
3. 3

   Vanderbilt costs about $8.1K less per year on average than Columbia ($46,508 vs. $54,653, all students)

   Average cost, all students
4. 4

   Vanderbilt's grants cover 48% of its full price on average, vs. 39% at Columbia

   Aid generosity
5. 5

   Columbia is more diverse (index 0.81 vs. 0.77)

   Diversity index
6. 6

   Columbia is a bit larger (8,973 vs. 7,355)

   Undergrads

The shape of each school

Each axis is a national rank among 4-year colleges; further out = more of it.