Harvard University vs Vanderbilt University

This page compares Harvard University and Vanderbilt University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 83 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 83 applicants admitted to both schools, 100% chose to attend Harvard University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Harvard University is ranked #6 compared to #14 — a gap of 8 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Harvard University has a median LSAT of 174 compared to 170, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Harvard University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, Tennessee. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Vanderbilt University offered a median scholarship of $155,500 compared to $132,500, a difference of $23,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.