Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN

Mechanical Engineering

at Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $69,605/yr starting out — that's 132% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 2.1 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $19,040/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $81,262 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$84,412/yr

Starting Salary

$69,605

Finish Rate

92.7%

$84,412/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $19,040/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $65,372/yr)

4 Years Total

$337,648

Typical Debt

$14,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,102

What You'd Really Pay

$81,262

That's about $159/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$696,050

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$81,262

Pays for Itself In

2.1 yrs

Salary Boost

+132%

Ahead After 10 Years

$614,788

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed24.9/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost17.6/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.