Academic Comparison between Vanderbilt and South Carolina

Vanderbilt University and University of South Carolina-Columbia are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Vanderbilt 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 is a private (not-for-profit) and South Carolina is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Vanderbilt has more expensive tuition & fees ($67,498) than South Carolina ($36,298).
  • It is harder to admit to Vanderbilt than South Carolina.
  • Vanderbilt has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than South Carolina (1,270).
  • Vanderbilt has higher submitted ACT score (35) than South Carolina (29).
  • South Carolina has more students with 38,532 students while Vanderbilt has 13,575 students.
  • Vanderbilt has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while South Carolina's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • South Carolina has more full-time faculties with 1,753 faculties while Vanderbilt has 1,360 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)
$67,4982025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,688
Out-Of-State$36,298
68%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$58,699Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,193
5.86 %Acceptance Rates60.15 %
61.23 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.94 %
1,540SAT Score1,270
35ACT Score29
94 %Graduation Rate79 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
96 %Retention Rate92 %
13,575Student Population38,532
1,360Number of Faculties1,753
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 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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