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Vanderbilt University campus
Located in the heart of Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt is a mid-sized, research university that attracts highly talented students from around the country and the world. In an inclusive and collaborative residential environment, students take full advantage of 65+ majors across four undergraduate schools, 450+ student-led organizations, and all that Nashville has to offer. With over $1 billion in annual research expenditures, Vanderbilt offers undergraduates ample opportunities to participate in academic research. 65% of students receive some form of financial aid, 47% of students study abroad, and 76% participate in at least one internship while at Vanderbilt.
Accepts first-year applicationsSouthPrivateUrbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed

Academic programs

  • Engineering
  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Public health
  • Architecture

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

First-year

Vanderbilt seeks students of all backgrounds who have demonstrated strong academic skills and intellectual curiosity, and who have engaged in meaningful activities outside the classroom. For details about how to apply, visit admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/first-year-process/. 

Vanderbilt considers you a first-year student if you have not completed the equivalent of at least 12 semester hours of credit after completing high school (high school degree or GED). Courses taken as dual-enrollment do not count towards these hours if those credits are being used to graduate from your high school program.

Transfer

Students from accredited institutions are welcome to apply for transfer admission. For transfer applicants, Vanderbilt seeks students of all backgrounds who have demonstrated strong academic skills in high school and college, and who have engaged in meaningful activities outside the classroom. Vanderbilt considers you a transfer student if you have completed the equivalent of at least 12 semester hours of credit after completing high school (high school degree or GED). Courses taken as dual-enrollment do not count towards these hours if those credits are being used to graduate from your high school program.

For details about how to apply, visit admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/transfer-process/

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Additional information

At Vanderbilt, we believe cost should never be a barrier to a world-class education.

Through Vanderbilt's excellent financial aid program, Opportunity Vanderbilt, we make three commitments to cultivate a community of talented intellectuals from all backgrounds.
  • For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, your ability to pay is not part of the admission decision.
  • We meet 100% of your family’s demonstrated need.
  • Your financial aid award will not include loans. 
Undocumented and DACA students are eligible for Vanderbilt’s institutional need-based financial aid program in the same way as U.S. citizens. Learn more on our website.

Vanderbilt awards merit-based scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise.  Three signature scholarships – the Ingram Scholars Program, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, and the Chancellor’s Scholarship – comprise the majority of Vanderbilt’s merit-based awards. Recipients of these scholarships are guaranteed full-tuition awards that include a stipend for research, study abroad, a creative endeavor, or the required Immersion Vanderbilt experience. Vanderbilt offers additional merit scholarships to qualified students. Learn more on our website.

Visit us

Visit campus to experience Vanderbilt's 340-acre, park-like setting in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more and register at vu.edu/visit.

You can also explore Vanderbilt through our virtual tour. With over 20 tour stops, embedded videos, and 360-degree photos, our virtual tour offers a great way to learn more about our campus community.

I chose Vanderbilt for the collaborative and friendly environment/people! Everyone here is extremely supportive and always wants to help. I don't think I ever walk anywhere without stopping to talk to someone I know on the way, and love how I'm constantly meeting new people and making new friends!