Emory University vs Vassar College
Emory University is highly selective with a 11.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Vassar College (17.7%). Graduates of Emory University earn $10,032 more per year at the 10-year mark ($72,364 vs $62,332). For families earning $48k–$75k, Emory University is more affordable at $16,646 net price vs $17,403. Students at Emory University graduate with less debt ($16,556 vs $18,707).
Admissions & Outcomes
Emory University has a higher yield rate (40.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1520, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
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), Emory University is more affordable at $8,538 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $45,706 vs $43,674.
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. Vassar College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (21%), 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.
Emory University
- 1 Computer Science$83,177
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations$77,283
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$64,055
- 4 Economics$62,632
- 5 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$57,318
Vassar College
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$69,535
- 2 Economics$57,995
- 3 Fine and Studio Arts$35,600
- 4 Sociology$33,993
- 5 Political Science and Government$31,670
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.
Emory University
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 5 Psychology, General
Vassar College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology
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.
Emory University
- International students18%
- Tuition (international)$53,070
- Est. total cost/year$69,110
- School typePublic
Vassar College
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$60,030
- Est. total cost/year$75,920
- 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.
- With 18% international enrollment, Emory University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Emory University or Vassar College?
Emory University is more selective with a 11.1% acceptance rate, compared to 17.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Emory University or Vassar College?
Emory University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $72,364 compared to $62,332. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Emory University or Vassar College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Emory University has a lower net price at $16,646 per year vs $17,403. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Emory University vs Vassar College?
Emory University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.3%, compared to 87.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Emory University or Vassar College?
Emory University has a larger international student population at 18% 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 Emory University and Vassar College?
At Emory University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $83,177 within two years. At Vassar College, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $69,535. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.