About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt combines Southern charm with academic excellence in Nashville's active music scene. The 7,143 students benefit from small classes and strong research opportunities that have produced leaders like former Vice President Al Gore and bestselling author James Patterson. With a 6.67% acceptance rate, Vandy attracts some of the nation's brightest students who score an average 1530 on the SAT. The university is known for its beautiful campus, strong school spirit, and competitive athletics program.
Despite a sticker price exceeding $86,000, most families pay far less thanks to generous financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,797 annually, while middle-class families typically pay between $5,000-$15,000. Graduates earn a median $91,565 ten years after college with only $14,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $148. The 92.7% graduation rate shows students finish what they start.
The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 8.95% coming from Tennessee. Vanderbilt's SEC athletics create intense school pride, especially during football rivalries with Tennessee. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while Nashville's booming job market helps explain the 93.6% employment rate among graduates.
Despite a sticker price exceeding $86,000, most families pay far less thanks to generous financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,797 annually, while middle-class families typically pay between $5,000-$15,000. Graduates earn a median $91,565 ten years after college with only $14,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $148. The 92.7% graduation rate shows students finish what they start.
The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 8.95% coming from Tennessee. Vanderbilt's SEC athletics create intense school pride, especially during football rivalries with Tennessee. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while Nashville's booming job market helps explain the 93.6% employment rate among graduates.
Academics & Faculty
Vanderbilt operates as a top-tier research university where undergraduates work alongside faculty conducting modern research. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide extensive mentoring. Nearly 93% of students graduate within four years, reflecting strong academic support systems. The university excels in multiple fields, with particularly well-known programs in education, medicine, and engineering. Students benefit from small seminar-style classes despite attending a major research institution. The Peabody College of Education consistently ranks among the nation's best. Vanderbilt's research opportunities span from biomedical sciences to public policy. The combination of rigorous academics and personal attention creates an environment where students thrive intellectually while building lasting relationships with faculty mentors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 92.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 92.7%
- Retention Rate
- 96.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $91,565
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $130,517 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $127,087 |
| Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. | Master | $122,038 |
| Public Health. | Master | $122,038 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $119,805 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $117,572 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $114,324 |
| Marketing. | Master | $111,620 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $104,192 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $102,409 |
Campus Life
Nashville's music scene pulses through campus life at Vanderbilt, where 84% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community of 7,143 undergraduates. The 333-acre campus sits just two miles from downtown Nashville, putting students within walking distance of honky-tonk bars, recording studios, and live music venues. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, Nashville sees everything from snow to 90-degree summers.
Weekend traditions center around Commodore football games in the SEC, where 423 varsity athletes compete across 14 sports. The student-faculty ratio of 7:1 means professors know your name, creating an intimate academic environment despite the research university setting. Greek life dominates the social scene, with many students heading to fraternity parties or exploring Nashville's famous Broadway strip. Study abroad participation runs high, reflecting the ambitious student body that arrives with average SAT scores of 1530. Students often describe the culture as "work hard, play hard" with a distinctly Southern hospitality twist.
Weekend traditions center around Commodore football games in the SEC, where 423 varsity athletes compete across 14 sports. The student-faculty ratio of 7:1 means professors know your name, creating an intimate academic environment despite the research university setting. Greek life dominates the social scene, with many students heading to fraternity parties or exploring Nashville's famous Broadway strip. Study abroad participation runs high, reflecting the ambitious student body that arrives with average SAT scores of 1530. Students often describe the culture as "work hard, play hard" with a distinctly Southern hospitality twist.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 6,009 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
179 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 42 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 32 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 14 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 22 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 19 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–48°F
- July Avg
- 67°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.7"
Student Demographics
Vanderbilt draws ambitious students from across the nation, with over 90% coming from out-of-state. The student body reflects the university's top academic reputation, with median test scores placing most students in the top 2% nationally. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to economic diversity despite its strong status. The roughly even gender split mirrors Vanderbilt's strength across disciplines, from engineering to liberal arts. Students typically come from families who value both academic excellence and the active campus culture that Nashville's music scene enhances.
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.3%
- White
- 38.9%
- Black
- 10.4%
- Hispanic
- 12.0%
- Asian
- 18.6%
- In-State Students
- 9.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.5%
Location
Vanderbilt sits in Nashville, Tennessee, a music industry center with over 650,000 residents. The campus occupies 333 acres in the heart of Music City, where country music legends and tech companies share the same skyline. Nashville's economy extends far beyond honky-tonk bars and recording studios into healthcare, finance, and education. The city hosts major corporations like HCA Healthcare and Nissan North America. Students can walk from campus to downtown's Broadway strip or catch live shows at the Grand Ole Opry. The metropolitan area serves 1.9 million people across Middle Tennessee. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Vanderbilt with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Nashville, Tennessee 37240
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $91,565
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $90,815
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $61,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt accepts just 6.67% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Students who get in typically score around 1530 on the SAT, placing them in the top tier of test-takers nationally.
How much does Vanderbilt University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price reaches $86,194 per year, but the average net price drops to $19,040 after aid. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay less than $6,000 annually, reflecting Vanderbilt's commitment to meeting full demonstrated need.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. The university combines this intimate learning environment with top-tier research opportunities, attracting faculty who are leaders in their fields.
How much do Vanderbilt University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $91,565 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for college graduates. The university's strong alumni network and Nashville location provide excellent career opportunities in healthcare, music, business, and technology.
Where is Vanderbilt University located?
Vanderbilt sits on a 333-acre campus in Nashville, Tennessee, known for its tree-lined quads and collegiate Gothic architecture. The campus houses 6,009 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community within Music City's active cultural scene.
Does Vanderbilt University have strong athletics?
Vanderbilt competes in the SEC with 14 varsity sports and awards over $21 million in athletic scholarships annually. The Commodores are particularly known for their baseball program, which has won multiple College World Series titles and consistently ranks among the nation's best.
