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Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN·Private·~6% acceptance

Vanderbilt University is a private university based in Nashville, TN. With an acceptance rate of about 6%, it is among the most selective schools in the United States. Students pay an average net price of about $15,846 per year after financial aid. About 93% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $91,565 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$15,846/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $89,590
Aid cuts ~$73,744/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 1
EA
RD
Jan 1

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)34–35
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
93%
graduation rate
96%
freshman retention
$73,909
median earnings, 6yr
$91,565
median earnings, 10yr
How Vanderbilt reads an application

What Vanderbilt values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Class rankApplication essaysExtracurricularsCharacter / personal qualities
Important
Test scoresRecommendationsTalent / ability
Also considered
InterviewFirst-generation statusAlumni relation (legacy)Geographic residenceState residencyVolunteer workWork experience

From Vanderbilt’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Vanderbilt requires

Required
Grades (GPA)Course rigorCollege-prep programRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Class rankTest scoresWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)

From federal IPEDS data — what Vanderbilt requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Vanderbilt University's acceptance rate?
Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.
How much does Vanderbilt University cost?
At Vanderbilt University, the average net price after aid is about $15,846 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $89,590 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Vanderbilt University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 on the SAT and 34–35 on the ACT.
What are Vanderbilt University's application deadlines?
Vanderbilt University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Jan 1. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Vanderbilt University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Vanderbilt University rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), Class rank, Application essays, Extracurriculars, and Character / personal qualities as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Test scores, Recommendations, and Talent / ability. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Vanderbilt University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Vanderbilt University, side by side with your other schools.