Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Tennessee, USA. Vanderbilt University is ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States. Vanderbilt University is home to more than 13,000 students. International students from 69 countries comprise 10% of the total student body.

Admission at Vanderbilt University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 7%. International students require an average GPA of 3.83 i.e 93% for undergraduate programs and a GPA of 3.2 i.e 87% for graduate programs. Graduate students are also required to submit a GMAT score of an average 690 or a GRE a score of 156+ in Quant and 157 in Verbal.

One of Vanderbilt's highlights is its strong research programs. The Vanderbilt University Campus has over 100 research centers and institutes, and its faculty includes numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows, and members of prestigious academic societies such as the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Vanderbilt University Highlights

Vanderbilt University Rankings

Vanderbilt University is one of the top 20 universities in the USA ranking #13 as per US News and World Report 2023. Some of its other significant rankings have been listed below:

Ranking Agency Ranking 2023
QS World University Rankings #199
Best Global Universities US News #78
World University Rankings THE #151
Best Colleges is National Universities, US News #13

Vanderbilt University Ranking Comparison

The table below provides a subject ranking comparison between Vanderbilt University and Emory University -

Disciplines Vanderbilt University Emory University
Life Sciences and Medicine #98 #56
Biological Sciences #151-200 #144
Law and Legal Studies #201-250 #201-250
Economics and Econometrics #251-300 #251-300
Engineering - Chemical #351-400 #251-300
Natural Sciences #363 #451-500
Computer Science and Information Technology #351-400 #551-600
Business and Management Studies #401-450 #301-350

Vanderbilt University Courses

Programs offered at Vanderbilt University include 70 undergraduate majors and 100+ graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges.

  • Undergraduate programs at Vanderbilt University are offered through four undergraduate schools. These are: College of Arts and Science, Peabody College of Education and human development, School of Engineering and Blair College of Music.
  • Immersion Vanderbilt is a program offered by Vanderbilt University where undergraduate students are required to complete an intensive learning experience outside the classroom. These experiences can be civic and professional, creative expression, international, or research. 
  • Vanderbilt University offers more than 120 study abroad programs for a semester, a summer, or an entire academic year. Study abroad opportunities also include an internship, research or volunteering opportunities.
  • Graduate and professional programs at Vanderbilt University are offered through Graduate School, School of Law, Divinity School, School of Medicine, Owen Graduate School of Management, and School of Nursing.
    Check: Graduate programs at Vanderbilt University
  • MBA at Vanderbilt University is one of the most popular programs. The full-time MBA program ranks #25 in best business schools as per US News and World Report 2022.

Some of the top programs at Vanderbilt University are as follows:

Vanderbilt University Campus

Vanderbilt University Campus spanning over 340 acres is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee and home to 179 buildings. The campus is home to Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Vanderbilt University’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries comprises 9 libraries and rank among top 50 research libraries in the nation.
  • The library houses an extensive collection of books, databases, e-books, journals and archival materials.
  • The organizations range from Geology Club, Running Club and Vanderbilt Piano Society to official associations like the American Medical Student Association and the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.

There are also more than 470 student organizations, 35+ clubs and varsity teams.

Students also have the opportunity to enjoy campus traditions such as Fall for the Arts, Winter Ball and the End-of-Year Commons Celebration.

Vanderbilt University Accommodation

The university offers 30 Residence halls & apartments, and 24 Fraternity and sorority houses which accommodate 5,901 students. At Vanderbilt University, 94% of undergraduate students live on-campus for 4 years. The first-year housing, named under the Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, has 10 housing options. 

Vanderbilt University has a single housing rate for all students in all of the residence halls regardless of building, room type, location, and amenities. All students pay the same amount for on-campus housing at Vanderbilt University i.e USD 6,360 per semester. Vanderbilt University does not offer any housing for graduate students. However, students can use the University's off-campus referral service to browse student housing in the USA.

Vanderbilt University Admissions 

Vanderbilt University offers three admission decision plans for first-year applicants. These are Early Decision I, Early decision II and Regular Decision. Early decisions I and II are binding. Hence candidates who are committed to studying at Vanderbilt upon selection must apply by these deadlines. 

Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Admission

Category Requirement
Application Portal Coalition Application | Common Application
Application Fee 50 USD (~4,130 INR)
GPA Requirement Average GPA: 3.83
English proficiency test scores TOEFL IBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0
Standardized Exam Scores SAT score: 1480-1570 | ACT score: 34-35 (optional)
Additional Requirement 2 Academic Letters of Recommendation | 1 LOR from a counselor

Vanderbilt University Graduate Admission

Category Requirement
Application Portal Online
Application Fee 95 USD (~7,845 INR)
GPA Requirement Average GPA: 3.2 i.e 87%
English proficiency test scores TOEFL IBT: 88-100 | IELTS: 7.0
Standardized Exam Scores GMAT: 650-730 | GRE: 156+ [Quant], 157 [Verbal]
Additional Requirement 3 Letters of recommendation | Statement of Purpose

Vanderbilt University Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance at Vanderbilt University for international students varies depending on a number of factors, such as the degree program, housing preferences, and personal expenses.

Vanderbilt University Fee

School/College Cost in USD Cost in INR
Undergraduate Tuition 58,130 48.02 lakhs
Graduate School Tuition per credit hour 2,215 1.82 lakhs
Liberal Arts and Science per credit hour 1,107 91 thousand
Peabody College per credit hour 2,169 1.79 lakhs
School of Engineering per credit hour 2,215 1.82 lakhs
Divinity School Tuition per credit hour 1,075 88 thousand
Nursing School Tuition per credit hour 1,883 1.55 lakhs
Law School Tuition (Annual) 66,696 55.09 lakhs
Owen Graduate School of Management Tuition (Annual) 65,500 54.11 lakhs

Cost of Living in USA

Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, which has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in USA. Cost of living for Vanderbilt University students can vary depending on their lifestyle and housing choices. Expenses, such as transportation, groceries, and entertainment, can also impact the overall cost of living for Vanderbilt University students.

Item Annual Cost in USD Annual Cost in INR
Housing 12,720 10.51 lakhs
Meals 7,142 5.90 lakhs
Books and Supplies 1,194 98 thousand
Student Services Fee 1,480 1.22 lakhs
Student health fee 738 61 thousand
Personal Expenses 3,008 2.48 lakhs

Also Check: Cost of Living in the USA!

Vanderbilt University Financial Aid

Vanderbilt University offers a limited number of need-based financial aid to international undergraduate students. The University offered need-based/merit-based financial aid to 77 international students admitted for Fall 2021. The value of Financial aid offered ranges from 17,056 USD to 86,309 USD. 

Indian students applying to Vanderbilt University are eligible for the Hilppa A. K. Roby Scholarship which is need-based financial aid. The university also awards the following merit-based scholarships -

Name of Scholarship Award Value
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship Full tuition plus summer stipend
Ingram Scholarship Program Full tuition plus summer stipend
Chancellor's Scholarship Full tuition plus summer stipend

Overseas students who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete the CSS profile. The University will also follow a need-aware admissions process for international students seeking financial aid. Check: External scholarships in USA for international students

Vanderbilt University Alumni Network

Vanderbilt University alumni association was founded in 1879 and currently comprises 147,396 members. There are also 42 alumni chapters worldwide. The University offers following benefits to alumni members :

  • Vanderbilt Alumni career resources
  • Lifelong learning
  • Transcripts without any charge
  • Access to library, recreation and wellness center
  • Local and national discounts
  • Hotel discounts
  • Easy access to clubs and associations
  • Saving for college (Kaplan prep discounts, Independent 529 plan)

Vanderbilt University Notable Alumni

Alumni Name Designation Achievement
John Arnold Former Energy Trader Co-founder of Centaurus Advisors and Philanthropist
Ellen Gilchrist Writer Winner of the National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner Award
Kelly Campbell Psychologist President of the American Psychological Association
John Danner Entrepreneur Co-founder of Rocketship Education and Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp
Emily White Music Executive Former COO of Whitesmith Entertainment and Billboard's "30 Under 30" in Music

Vanderbilt University Placements

At Vanderbilt University 93% of undergraduate students are employed full-time or pursuing further studies in graduate schools within 6 months of graduation. The median compensation of Vanderbilt graduates working full-time in the USA is 72,000 USD. Top employers for Vanderbilt Class of 2021 graduates include Capital One, Deloitte, Amazon, Microsoft, AlphaSights, and Mckinsey and Company. Read: USA likely to focus on post-study work opportunities

Vanderbilt University MBA career outcomes

MBA at Vanderbilt University demonstrates high graduate employability rate year after year. MBA class of 2021 was also no exception. 97% of students from Class of 2021 accepted job offers within 3 months of graduation. Base salary offered to Vanderbilt MBA graduates was 125,130 USD with an average signing bonus of 27,651 USD. 

Amazon and Deloitte were the two top recruiting companies hiring the majority of Vanderbilt MBA graduates. Other companies who hired students from MBA class of 2021 are Optum, Microsoft, American Airlines, and EY. Check: MBA jobs at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University Placement

The Career Center of the university offers its services in the form of career coaching, workshops, career fairs, field trips, etc. through which students can find the right jobs. Students are provided assistance in networking, interview preparation, professional social media and online portfolio, negotiations, CVs, resumes and cover letters. A mobile app named DoreWays is one of the most helpful resources for the students as it allows them to be updated in case of new job postings and other internships.

FAQs

Ques. What is Vanderbilt University known for?

Ans. Vanderbilt University is best known for its high quality undergraduate, graduate and professional degree program. In addition, the University ranks #1 in financial aid as per Princeton review, 2021. The School also offers a immersion learning program mandatory for each student. As part of this program, students are required to undertake an experience beying classroom. This can be in following pathways - civic and professional, creative expression, international, and research.

Ques. Is Vanderbilt University a good school?

Ans. Vanderbilt University is one of the top-tier research universities in USA. It ranks #14 among national universities as per US news and world report 2022 and #15 as per THE US universities ranking 2022.

Ques. How difficult it is to get admission to Vanderbilt University?

Ans. Vanderbilt university follows a very selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 7%. Incoming international students are required to submit a TOEFL score of 100+ and SAT score over 1480. However, Vanderbilt University offers test-optional admission policy for Fall 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Ques. Is financial aid available at Vanderbilt University?

Ans. Vanderbilt University offers a limited number of need-based and merit-based financial aid for international students. Value of financial aid offered ranges from 17,056 USD to 86,309 USD. Three signature merit scholarships at Vanderbilt University - Ingram Scholars Program, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, and the Chancellor’s Scholarship award full tuition and stipend for research or study abroad.

Ques. How much does an MBA degree earn at university?

Ans. The MBA graduates at Vanderbilt University earn salary packages up to 98.20 lakhs.