Degree Dividend
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Vanderbilt University vs Tennessee State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Nashville TN · vs · Public, Nashville TN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Vanderbilt University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,384 in 1.5 years versus not at all at Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $91,565 vs $42,730 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVanderbilt UniversityTennessee State University
Net price / yr$15,846$15,796
Total net cost$63,384$63,184
Median earnings, 10 yrs$91,565$42,730
Median debt$14,000$27,000
Payback1.5 yrs—
20-year net return$800,716-$175,784

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University, at $15,796 a year after aid versus $15,846 — a gap of $50 a year, or $200 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 Tennessee State University graduates earn more?

Vanderbilt University graduates report a median $91,565 ten years after entry, $48,835 more than the $42,730 at Tennessee State 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 Tennessee State University?

Vanderbilt University: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Tennessee State 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 34% at Tennessee State 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.

Vanderbilt University vs Tennessee State University: frequently asked questions

Is Vanderbilt University or Tennessee State University a better value?
Vanderbilt University. It clears its $63,384 net cost in about 1.5 years versus no clear payback at Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $91,565 vs $42,730 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Vanderbilt University or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University: $15,796/yr net price after aid versus $15,846/yr at Vanderbilt University — a difference of $50 a year, or about $200 over four years.
Do Vanderbilt University or Tennessee State University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn a median $91,565 ten years after entry, versus $42,730 at Tennessee State University — a $48,835 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.