Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 1873. It combines a highly selective undergraduate college with top-ranked graduate and professional schools in medicine, law, business, engineering and education, and is known for generous financial aid and a strong campus community.
Programmes
Undergraduate degrees are offered through the College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering, Peabody College of education and human development, and Blair School of Music. Popular majors include economics, medicine/health-related pre-professional tracks, engineering, human and organisational development, and political science. Graduate strengths include the Owen Graduate School of Management (MBA), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Law School and the School of Engineering.
Fees and financial aid
Undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 is reported at roughly US$68,000–70,000 per year, with total billed costs around US$95,000 including housing and dining — these figures are reported ranges and must be confirmed on the university's cost-of-attendance page before budgeting. Vanderbilt meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted US students without loans; international applicants are considered for need-based aid on a more limited basis, and merit scholarships (including the Ingram, Cornelius Vanderbilt and Chancellor's scholarships) cover full tuition for selected students.
Admission
Vanderbilt is test-optional for recent cycles, with early decision rounds in November and January and regular decision in January; exact Fall 2027 dates are to be confirmed on the admission site. International applicants submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores where English is not the first language. The admit rate for recent classes is in the single digits to low teens, making it one of the most selective universities in the US.
Frequently asked questions
Does Vanderbilt offer full scholarships? Yes — the three signature merit scholarships cover full tuition plus a stipend, awarded to a small number of entering students.
Is Nashville a good student city? Nashville offers a lower cost of living than coastal cities, a major healthcare industry for internships, and a strong music and cultural scene.
To be confirmed: exact 2026-27 and 2027-28 tuition and total costs, Fall 2027 deadlines, and international aid policy. Verify on vanderbilt.edu admissions and financial aid pages.
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Sources and verification: Reported 2026-27 tuition range; exact figures, deadlines and international aid policy to be confirmed on vanderbilt.edu — no figures fabricated in this profile.