Head-to-head · 2026
Vanderbilt University vs Volunteer State Community College
Compare average net price ($15,846 at Vanderbilt University; $7,802 at Volunteer State Community College), ROI score (14.45 vs 13.19), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($91,565 vs $41,150), and admissions context (5.9% at Vanderbilt University; Open / not reported at Volunteer State Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Vanderbilt University | Volunteer State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 14.45 ✓ | 13.19 |
| Avg net price | $15,846 | $7,802 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $63,384 | $31,208 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $67,498 | $4,756 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $67,498 | $17,740 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $91,565 ✓ | $41,150 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% ✓ | 28.2% |
| Retention rate | 96.3% ✓ | 51.2% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $7,550 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,208 | 5,339 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1549 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Vanderbilt University | Volunteer State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $3,414 ✓ | $6,733 |
| Family income $30–48k | $1,876 ✓ | $7,441 |
| Family income $48–75k | $4,498 ✓ | $8,965 |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,153 | $10,880 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $45,145 | $13,530 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Vanderbilt University | Volunteer State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 0.1% | 45.5% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 9.4% | 2.3% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.6% | 6% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | 0.6% | 2.8% |
| Education, General | 0.4% | 1.8% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Music | 0.9% | 0.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Volunteer State Community College reports the lower average net price by $8,044 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $32,176 difference over four years ($31,208 vs $63,384).
Vanderbilt University reports $50,415 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($91,565 vs $41,150). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 96.3% at Vanderbilt University and 51.2% at Volunteer State Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $14,000 vs $7,550, respectively.
7 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Vanderbilt University vs Volunteer State Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Volunteer State Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,802 per year vs $15,846 at Vanderbilt University. The annual difference of $8,044 adds up to about $32,176 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Vanderbilt University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $91,565 vs $41,150 at Volunteer State Community College. The gap in the federal data is $50,415. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.