Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Vanderbilt University

Knoxville, TN · Nashville, TN · Source: IPEDS federal database

The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleVanderbilt University
Acceptance Rate46.0%6.3%
In-State Tuition$13,484$63,946
Out-of-State Tuition$31,974$63,946
Average Net Price$20,885$10,611
Graduation Rate73.0%93.0%

GradFax Analysis

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 46.0% of applicants. Vanderbilt University accepts 6.3%. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's in-state tuition is $13,484. Vanderbilt University's is $63,946. That's a $50,462 difference per year. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates 73% of students in 6 years. Vanderbilt University graduates 93%.

Bottom Line

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is public; Vanderbilt University is private. If you're an in-state student, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →The University of Tennessee-Knoxville profileVanderbilt University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University?

Vanderbilt University. It accepts 6.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Vanderbilt University more affordable?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has lower published tuition: $13,484 versus $63,946. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Vanderbilt University: 93% of students finish in 6 years. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is at 73%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Vanderbilt University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax