Vanderbilt University vs Belmont University: which has better ROI?
Vanderbilt University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,384 in 1.5 years versus 17.5 years at Belmont University, on median earnings of $91,565 vs $55,930 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Vanderbilt University | Belmont University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,846 | $33,147 |
| Total net cost | $63,384 | $132,588 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $91,565 | $55,930 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | 17.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $800,716 | $18,812 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or Belmont University?
Vanderbilt University, at $15,846 a year after aid versus $33,147 — a gap of $17,301 a year, or $69,204 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Vanderbilt University or Belmont University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates report a median $91,565 ten years after entry, $35,635 more than the $55,930 at Belmont University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Vanderbilt University or Belmont University?
Vanderbilt University: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Belmont University, a difference of $6,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
94% of students finish at Vanderbilt University, against 71% at Belmont University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.