Vanderbilt University
About Vanderbilt University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. It is one of the most selective universities in the South, with top programs in medicine, education, law, engineering, and music. Vanderbilt meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Founded
1873
Location
Nashville, Tennessee
Students
13,562
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
5.9%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
93.5%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,498
Per year
Avg Net Price
$15,846
After financial aid
SAT Average
1549
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$91,565
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 5.9 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
With a 5.9% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1549, Vanderbilt University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1549/ 1600
ACT Scores
35/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
93.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.3%
4-Year Grad
89%
6-Year Grad
93%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
84.7%
$/Student
$34.2K
Class Size
Small
89% of students graduate on time, and with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,498
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$22,054
Books & Supplies
$1,194
Total Cost of Attendance
$89,590
After Financial Aid
$15,846
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,414
Receive Grants
20.2%
Take Loans
9.6%
Don't let the $67,498 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $15,846 after financial aid, a 77% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $3,414.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Vanderbilt University fund their education.
While in School
20.2%
Get Grants
Free money
9.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$58,118
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$14,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$148/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $14,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Vanderbilt University.
Gender
52.5%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,208
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
6,354
Graduates
12.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 48% men). 11.2% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,208
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Nashville is one of the most exciting cities in the US
- +Stunning arboretum campus in the heart of the city
- +Strong school spirit and SEC athletics
- +Warm Southern hospitality and community feel
Cons
- -Nashville distractions can pull you from studying
- -Greek life heavily influences social scene
- -Hot and humid Tennessee summers
- -Cost of living in Nashville has risen sharply
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Vanderbilt University fields 11 varsity teams with 509 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Southeastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
509
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
43% / 57%
217
Men
292
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Vanderbilt Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$91,565
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Social Sciences, General
$61K
302 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$84K
286 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$37K
263 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$122K
198 grads
1yr Earnings
Mathematics
$104K
157 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$47K
130 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $74K six years out, climb to $78K by year eight, and reach $92K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Vanderbilt University
What is the acceptance rate at Vanderbilt University?▾
How much does Vanderbilt University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Vanderbilt University?▾
How much do Vanderbilt University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.