Head-to-head · 2026
Chattanooga State Community College vs Vanderbilt University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Chattanooga State Community College, 2 for Vanderbilt University — Chattanooga State Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Chattanooga State Community College | Vanderbilt University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.79 ✓ | 14.45 |
| Avg net price | $5,283 ✓ | $15,846 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $37,598 | $91,565 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 5.9% |
| Graduation rate | 25.9% | 93.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,419 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Enrollment | 5,284 | 7,208 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1549 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Vanderbilt University costs $10,563 more per year than Chattanooga State Community College ($15,846 vs $5,283). Vanderbilt University graduates report $53,967 higher median earnings after ten years ($91,565 vs $37,598). On EduGradify's model that puts Chattanooga State Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.79 vs 14.45, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Chattanooga State Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Vanderbilt University reports 5.9% acceptance; Chattanooga State Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Chattanooga State Community College vs Vanderbilt University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Chattanooga State Community College or Vanderbilt University the better value?
Chattanooga State Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.79 vs 14.45), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Chattanooga State Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,283 per year vs $15,846 at Vanderbilt University. The annual difference of $10,563 adds up to about $42,252 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Vanderbilt University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $91,565 vs $37,598 at Chattanooga State Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $53,967.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Chattanooga State Community College reports a A+ value grade; Vanderbilt University reports A.