ETF Comparison
DGRO vs SCHD vs VYM: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF, Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| DGRO | SCHD | VYM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares |
| Issuer | BlackRock | Schwab | Vanguard |
| Price | $70.20 | $30.51 | $147.95 |
| Distribution yield | 1.96% | 3.30% | 2.26% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.06% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $38.8B | $85.9B | $92.3B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) | Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index | Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) |
| Objective | Seeks to track the investment results of the Morningstar U.S. Dividend Growth Index, which measures the performance of U.S. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. Companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. | Seeks to track as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which measures the performance of high dividend yielding stocks issued by U.S. companies with a record of consistently paying dividends, selected for fundamental strength relative to their peers based on financial ratios. | Seeks to track the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the U.S. equity market. The index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 06/10/2014 | 10/20/2011 | 11/10/2006 |
| Beta | 0.76 | 0.65 | 0.74 |
| Last dividend | $0.33 | $0.26 | $0.86 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/17/2026 | 03/25/2026 | 03/20/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF), SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF), VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) are popular dividend ETFs that take different approaches.
SCHD offers the highest yield at 3.30%, followed by VYM at 2.26%, DGRO at 1.96%.
VYM is the cheapest with an expense ratio of 0.04%, compared to 0.06% for SCHD and 0.08% for DGRO.
VYM is the largest fund by assets ($92.3B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment: DGRO generates ~$16.33/month, SCHD generates ~$27.50/month, VYM generates ~$18.83/month at current distribution rates.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000: DGRO costs ~$80, SCHD costs ~$60, VYM costs ~$40 in fees (simplified, not compounded).
Strategy & risk
DGRO tracks Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) with a seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. approach; SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index with a seeks to track as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the total return of the dow jones u.s. dividend 100 index, which measures the performance of high dividend yielding stocks issued by u.s. companies with a record of consistently paying dividends, selected for fundamental strength relative to their peers based on financial ratios. approach; VYM tracks Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. approach.
Fund details
DGRO is managed by BlackRock (launched 06/10/2014) with $38.8B in assets. SCHD is managed by Schwab (launched 10/20/2011) with $85.9B in assets. VYM is managed by Vanguard (launched 11/10/2006) with $92.3B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Which of DGRO, SCHD, VYM is best for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SCHD currently offers the highest distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between DGRO, SCHD, VYM?
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) tracks Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) with a seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. strategy, issued by BlackRock. SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index with a seeks to track as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the total return of the dow jones u.s. dividend 100 index, which measures the performance of high dividend yielding stocks issued by u.s. companies with a record of consistently paying dividends, selected for fundamental strength relative to their peers based on financial ratios. strategy, issued by Schwab. VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) tracks Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. strategy, issued by Vanguard.
Can I hold DGRO, SCHD, VYM together?
Yes. Many income investors hold multiple dividend ETFs to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has the lowest fees among DGRO, SCHD, VYM?
DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08%, SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06%, VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 generate in each?
$10,000 in DGRO yields ~$16.33/month ($196.00/year). $10,000 in SCHD yields ~$27.50/month ($330.00/year). $10,000 in VYM yields ~$18.83/month ($226.00/year).
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