Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private nonprofit university in Nashville, TN ranked #19 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 7,143 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 6.3%. Students most often pursue Mathematics and Economics.
Academically, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 96.4% first-year retention, and 92.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $19,040, about $2,042 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -3.0%, roughly 88.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $73,909. That's about $30,221 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Vanderbilt University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Vanderbilt University graduates 92.7% of students within six years and keeps 96.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Vanderbilt University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $63,946 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,194 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $21,054 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,396 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $84,412 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.5% of Vanderbilt University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $5,797 to $42,754 depending on family income. Use Vanderbilt University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,780/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $42,754/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $73,909
- 10-Year Median Earnings $73,909
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,913
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 83.6%
- Employment Rate 85.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Vanderbilt University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Vanderbilt University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Vanderbilt University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Vanderbilt University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Vanderbilt University graduates earn $73,909 median, the -3.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-770
- SAT Math 770-790
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,143
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 96.4%
- Graduation Rate 92.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Vanderbilt University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Vanderbilt University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 6.3%, Vanderbilt University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 6.3% acceptance rate, Vanderbilt University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1560 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Vanderbilt University undergraduates. Economics, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Social Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Economics 11.4%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 10.3%
- Social Sciences, General 10.0%
- Computer Science 6.5%
- Mathematics 5.4%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 4.4%
See more majors
- Political Science and Government 4.3%
- Psychology, General 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Mathematics $140,068
- 2. Economics $128,449
- 3. Computer Science $122,244
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Engineering Science $109,116
- 5. Civil Engineering $107,563
- 6. Philosophy $107,157
- 7. Chemical Engineering $105,943
- 8. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $105,677
- 9. Mechanical Engineering $101,152
- 10. Political Science and Government $92,330
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Public Health (Master's Degree) $228,535
- 2. Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degree) $223,080
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $177,317
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $176,932
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $172,725
- 6. Law (First Professional Degree) $172,684
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $135,520
- 8. Applied Mathematics (Master's Degree) $134,475
- 9. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $131,905
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degree) $130,684
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Mathematics grads earn $140,068—52% more than Political Science and Government ($92,330). Graduate: Public Health programs lead with $228,535 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Vanderbilt University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 257 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 232 graduates)
- Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 227 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 182 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 147 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (51 programs)▼
- Economics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Music
- History
- Mechanical Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Philosophy
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Area Studies
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Civil Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Anthropology
- Science, Technology and Society
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- Education, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Education, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Architectural History and Criticism
Online Master's Degrees (66 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Applied Mathematics
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Public Health
- Marketing
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Economics
- Public Policy Analysis
- International and Comparative Education
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering, Other
- Anthropology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Sociology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Mathematics
- Materials Sciences
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Cognitive Science
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Education, General
- Computational Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (43 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- History
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biology, General
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Physics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Civil Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Sociology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Materials Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Genetics
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Public Health
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,143
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 47.8%
- Female Students 52.2%
- Caucasian 38.9%
- Asian 18.6%
- Hispanic 12.0%
- Black 10.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Vanderbilt University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Vanderbilt University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Vanderbilt University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Vanderbilt University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Vanderbilt University has a diverse student body, with 38.9% identifying as White. About 18.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Vanderbilt University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Vanderbilt University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Vanderbilt University ranks among the country's most prestigious, delivering a -3.0% ROI though 198 institutions deliver higher returns at lower costs.
The institution achieves 87.2% four-year and 92.7% six-year completion ratesand maintains 96.4% first-year retention. However, the $19,040 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $73,909 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Vanderbilt University Worth It?
Ranking #19 of 6272, Vanderbilt University delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Vanderbilt University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $9,520 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 198 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Vanderbilt University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 96.4% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $19,040 annual investment against 198 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 92.7% six-year graduation rate sits 30.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.4% first-year retention is 19.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -3.0% return on investment is 88.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $73,909 run about 69% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,040 is roughly $1,922 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.4% employment rate within three years sits 17.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $19,040 is about $1,922 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.5% trails the national share by 20.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Vanderbilt University, a private nonprofit university in Nashville, TN, secures a A+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #19 among 6272 schools Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support A, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 96.4% retention and 92.7% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -3.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,040 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $84,412.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $65,372 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,913 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $73,909 six years after entry. This is roughly 69% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 85.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -3.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
6.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Vanderbilt University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Nashville, TN 37240
- Website www.vanderbilt.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$10.21B