Vanderbilt University represents the most selective option profiled in Tennessee, with an acceptance rate of 6.3 percent and a sticker price that nets to an average of $19,040 annually after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $73,909 six years after enrollment, suggesting strong return on investment despite Vanderbilt's elite status. The university's combination of low net cost and solid earnings outcomes makes it worth pursuing if you're a competitive applicant, though admission is extremely difficult.