Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Vanderbilt University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 740 | 770 | 755 |
| SAT Math | 770 | 790 | 780 |
| SAT Total | 1510 | 1560 | 1535 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 45,313 |
| Students Admitted | 2,844 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,622 |
| Yield Rate | 57.0% |
Vanderbilt University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #18 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #195 | 2025 |
Vanderbilt University Overview
Vanderbilt University is a private university in Nashville, TN with 14,693 students. With a 6.3% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Multidisciplinary, and Engineering. Graduates earn a median of $91,565 ten years after enrollment.
| Full Name | Vanderbilt University |
| Location | Nashville, TN 37240 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | vanderbilt.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 14,693 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 7,284 |
| Female Students | 51.6% |
Sticker Price vs What You Actually Pay
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Vanderbilt. Families earning $30-48k pay around $1,876 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $45,145. 19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Vanderbilt enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $14,000 is very manageable relative to the $73,909 median salary six years out.
Full Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $21,054 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $89,590 |
What You'll Actually Pay (Net Price by Income)
After financial aid, the real cost depends on your family's income. These are average net prices for students receiving aid.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $3,414 | $13,656 |
| $30-48k | $1,876 | $7,504 |
| $48-75k | $4,498 | $17,992 |
| $75-110k | $12,153 | $48,612 |
| $110k+ | $45,145 | $180,580 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt at Vanderbilt University
Is Vanderbilt University Worth the Cost? (ROI Analysis)
A ratio above 2x generally means the investment pays off. Vanderbilt University — 6.5x ratio is excellent — graduates earn well relative to their debt burden.
Vanderbilt University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Vanderbilt. Families earning $30-48k pay around $1,876 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $45,145. 19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Vanderbilt enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $14,000 is very manageable relative to the $73,909 median salary six years out.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $3,414 | $13,656 |
| $30-48k | $1,876 | $7,504 |
| $48-75k | $4,498 | $17,992 |
| $75-110k | $12,153 | $48,612 |
| $110k+ | $45,145 | $180,580 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $21,054 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $89,590 |
Popular Majors at Vanderbilt University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1535+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Vanderbilt wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Vanderbilt University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Vanderbilt University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Vanderbilt University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Early Decision II | Jan 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 1 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanderbilt University
More About Vanderbilt University
Other Colleges in TN
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Vanderbilt University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.