Vanderbilt University vs Christian Brothers 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 4.3 years at Christian Brothers University, on median earnings of $91,565 vs $57,478 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Vanderbilt University | Christian Brothers University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,846 | $9,854 |
| Total net cost | $63,384 | $39,416 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $91,565 | $57,478 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $800,716 | $142,944 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or Christian Brothers University?
Christian Brothers University, at $9,854 a year after aid versus $15,846 — a gap of $5,992 a year, or $23,968 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 Christian Brothers University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates report a median $91,565 ten years after entry, $34,087 more than the $57,478 at Christian Brothers 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 Christian Brothers University?
Vanderbilt University: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Christian Brothers University, a difference of $13,000. 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 55% at Christian Brothers 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.