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About

About Vanderbilt University

highly selective private universityvery high research activitystrong social sciencestest optional admissions

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, TN, known for its strong social sciences and test optional admissions. With an acceptance rate of 7%, Vanderbilt is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,619 students each year. Vanderbilt is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1490–1570, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Students who apply Early Decision are admitted at 15%, roughly double the regular decision rate of 7%, making Early Decision one of the more significant strategic levers available. Vanderbilt meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants.

Admissions

Vanderbilt University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

7%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1530
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1490 – 1570 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 34 – 35

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ED advantage at Vanderbilt University: ED acceptance rate is 15% vs 7% regular decision, roughly double. If Vanderbilt Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Vanderbilt University

Essay Strategy
Vanderbilt rates essays as their most important academic factor, so treat every supplemental prompt as a chance to show something specific about why Vanderbilt's residential college system or a particular school like Peabody or Blair fits your goals, not just a generic 'why us' answer.
Demonstrated Interest
Vanderbilt does not track or factor demonstrated interest into admissions decisions, so skip stressing about visiting or emailing admissions officers and put that energy into polishing your essays and activity descriptions instead.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Vanderbilt University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Vanderbilt University has replaced all loans with grants. Vanderbilt University's sticker price of ~$80k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$80k/yr$3.4k
30k-48k~$80k/yr$1.9k
48k-75k~$80k/yr$4.5k
75k-110k~$80k/yr$12.2k
110k+~$80k/yr$45.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

93%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$74k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
8:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
6,921
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

39%White
19%Asian
11%Hispanic
11%International
9%Black / African American
6%Two or More Races
4%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender48% Men · 53% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status89% Citizens and Immigrants · 11% International
Vanderbilt, Nashville Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch