Head-to-head · 2026
Roane State Community College vs Vanderbilt University
Compare average net price ($4,270 at Roane State Community College; $15,846 at Vanderbilt University), ROI score (23.07 vs 14.45), ten-year median earnings ($39,407 vs $91,565), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Roane State Community College; 5.9% at Vanderbilt University) using federal College Scorecard data. Roane State Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Roane State Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Roane State Community College | Vanderbilt University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 23.07 ✓ | 14.45 |
| Avg net price | $4,270 ✓ | $15,846 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,407 | $91,565 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 5.9% |
| Graduation rate | 35.9% | 93.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $8,454 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Enrollment | 3,250 | 7,208 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1549 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Vanderbilt University costs $11,576 more per year than Roane State Community College ($15,846 vs $4,270). Vanderbilt University graduates report $52,158 higher median earnings after ten years ($91,565 vs $39,407). On EduGradify's model that puts Roane State Community College ahead on projected ROI (23.07 vs 14.45, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Roane 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; Roane State Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Roane State Community College vs Vanderbilt University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Roane State Community College or Vanderbilt University the better value?
Roane State Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (23.07 vs 14.45), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Roane State Community College is cheaper — average net price $4,270 per year vs $15,846 at Vanderbilt University. The annual difference of $11,576 adds up to about $46,304 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Vanderbilt University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $91,565 vs $39,407 at Roane State Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $52,158.
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. Roane State Community College reports a A+ value grade; Vanderbilt University reports A.