Academic Comparison between Vanderbilt University and South Carolina

Vanderbilt University and University of South Carolina-Columbia are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Vanderbilt University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Nashville, TN and South Carolina is a four-year, public school located in Columbia, SC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Vanderbilt University is a private (not-for-profit) and South Carolina is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Vanderbilt University has more expensive tuition & fees ($63,946) than South Carolina ($34,943).
  • It is harder to admit to Vanderbilt University than South Carolina.
  • Vanderbilt University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than South Carolina (1,270).
  • Vanderbilt University has higher submitted ACT score (35) than South Carolina (29).
  • South Carolina has more students with 35,653 students while Vanderbilt University has 13,710 students.
  • Vanderbilt University has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while South Carolina's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • South Carolina has more full-time faculties with 1,693 faculties while Vanderbilt University has 1,249 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Vanderbilt Universityvs.University of South Carolina-Columbia
Nashville, TennesseeLocationColumbia, South Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$63,9462024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,688
Out-Of-State$34,943
66%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$49,056Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,907
6.28 %Acceptance Rates61.49 %
57.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)25.50 %
1,540SAT Score1,270
35ACT Score29
92 %Graduation Rate78 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
96 %Retention Rate90 %
13,710Student Population35,653
1,249Number of Faculties1,693
7 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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