Bowdoin College vs Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is extremely selective with a 6.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Bowdoin College (8.0%). Graduates of Vanderbilt University earn $8,830 more per year at the 10-year mark ($91,565 vs $82,735). For families earning $48k–$75k, Vanderbilt University is more affordable at $6,211 net price vs $9,007. Students at Vanderbilt University graduate with less debt ($14,000 vs $18,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Bowdoin College has a higher yield rate (57.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Vanderbilt University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1510).
Brunswick, ME
Nashville, TN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Bowdoin College is more affordable at $3,145 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $35,196 vs $42,754.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Vanderbilt University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Bowdoin College
- 1 Computer Science$104,192
- 2 Economics$71,015
- 3 Mathematics$67,101
- 4 Political Science and Government$50,231
- 5 Psychology, General$44,971
Vanderbilt University
- 1 Computer Science$102,409
- 2 Mathematics$80,309
- 3 Chemical Engineering$73,446
- 4 Economics$72,134
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$70,680
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Bowdoin College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 English Language and Literature, General
- 5 Mathematics
Vanderbilt University
- 1 Social Sciences, General
- 2 Economics
- 3 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Bowdoin College
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$55,822
- Est. total cost/year$69,790
- School typePublic
Vanderbilt University
- International students13%
- Tuition (international)$52,781
- Est. total cost/year$71,828
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bowdoin College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is more selective with a 6.3% acceptance rate, compared to 8.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bowdoin College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $91,565 compared to $82,735. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bowdoin College or Vanderbilt University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Vanderbilt University has a lower net price at $6,211 per year vs $9,007. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Bowdoin College vs Vanderbilt University?
Bowdoin College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.4%, compared to 92.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Bowdoin College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University has a larger international student population at 13% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Bowdoin College and Vanderbilt University?
At Bowdoin College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $104,192 within two years. At Vanderbilt University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $102,409. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.