Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt) is a highly selective private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, serving roughly 7,208 students. Admission is highly selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 5.86% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $91,565 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $67,498
- 2024 Average Net Price: $15,846 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 5.86% Highly Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 7,208 99.4% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 93.54%
- Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- First-Generation Students: 12.2%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 6.0% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 9.0% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 84.7%
- Average SAT Score: 1549
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,353
- Applicants (IPEDS): 45,313
- Room & Board: $22,054 annual estimate
Vanderbilt University: what the data shows
Common questions about Vanderbilt University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN (ZIP 37240).
NCES locale classification: City.
Is Vanderbilt University public or private?
Vanderbilt University is a Private Non-profit institution.
How much does Vanderbilt University cost?
Published tuition: $67,498.
Average net price after aid: $15,846.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $3,414 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,876 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,498 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $12,153 |
| $110,001+ | $45,145 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $269,992.
How hard is it to get into Vanderbilt University?
Admission rate: 5.86%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1549 and midpoint ACT 35.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Vanderbilt University?
Total enrollment: 7,208 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,353 students.
Graduate enrollment: 6,354 students.
About 99% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Vanderbilt University?
150%-time completion rate: 93.54%.
First-year retention: 96.3%.
What do graduates of Vanderbilt University earn?
Median earnings: $73,909 six years after entry; $91,565 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $14,000.
20.22% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Vanderbilt University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Computer Science (351 completions)
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (316 completions)
- Social Sciences, General (315 completions)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (284 completions)
- Law (167 completions)
- Mathematics, General (156 completions)
- Financial Mathematics (146 completions)
- Organizational Leadership (139 completions)
- Political Science and Government, General (129 completions)
- Psychology, General (117 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Vanderbilt University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 5.86%; completion rate 93.54%; median earnings $91,565 at 10 years; net price $15,846. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$67,498
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Vanderbilt University was $67,498.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$15,846
2024 Value
In 2024 Vanderbilt University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $15,846.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$63,384 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$15,846 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$269,992 4-Year Tuition
$22,054 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,194 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$90,746 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$362,984 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Vanderbilt University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
20.22% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
9.56% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Vanderbilt University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Vanderbilt University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $42,978 | $42,978 | $17,340 |
| 2014 | $43,838 | $43,838 | $17,135 |
| 2015 | $44,712 | $44,712 | $18,144 |
| 2016 | $45,610 | $45,610 | $17,929 |
| 2017 | $47,664 | $47,664 | $19,959 |
| 2018 | $49,816 | $49,816 | $20,253 |
| 2019 | $52,070 | $52,070 | $19,432 |
| 2020 | $54,158 | $54,158 | $19,970 |
| 2021 | $56,966 | $56,966 | $22,204 |
| 2022 | $60,348 | $60,348 | $20,917 |
| 2023 | $63,946 | $63,946 | $19,040 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
5.86% Acceptance Rate
45,313 Total Applicants
2,844 Students Admitted
1,622 First-Time Students Enrolled
57.03% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution is extremely selective, accepting fewer than 1 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1549
ACT Average: 35
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.9 - 4.0
Estimated Median GPA: 4.00
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Vanderbilt University reported total enrollment of about 7,208 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 48% male and 52% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (39.1%), Asian (18.6%), and Hispanic or Latino (11.4%). About 20.22% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 12.2% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
99.4% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Vanderbilt University in 2024 is 7,208 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 7,353 students. Graduate enrollment is about 6,354 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
96.3%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 39.1%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
87.20% 100% Completion Time
93.54% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 87.20% of students graduating from Vanderbilt University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Computer Science: 71% male / 29% female
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics: 65% male / 35% female
- Social Sciences, General: 46% male / 54% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Vanderbilt University.
Return on Investment
$14,000 Median Student Debt
$91,565 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
15.29% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
1344.61% Return on Investment
1.5 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Vanderbilt University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 158 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Computer Science: 351 completions
2. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics: 316 completions
3. Social Sciences, General: 315 completions
4. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 284 completions
5. Law: 167 completions
6. Mathematics, General: 156 completions
7. Financial Mathematics: 146 completions
8. Organizational Leadership: 139 completions
9. Political Science and Government, General: 129 completions
Most popular programs at Vanderbilt University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Vanderbilt University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Vanderbilt University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 84.7%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $16,361
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $34,184
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Vanderbilt University is a private non-profit institution located in Nashville, TN, classified as Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Social Sciences, General. Enrollment is approximately 7,208 students. Student body composition includes White (39.1%), Asian (18.6%), Hispanic or Latino (11.4%). It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 5.86%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1549. The 150%-time completion rate is 93.54%. Approximately 20.22% of students receive Pell Grants. About 12.2% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
Location
Nashville, TN 37240
Region: Southeast
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 93.54% graduation rate, Vanderbilt University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Vanderbilt University graduates report median earnings of $91,565 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 158 distinct degree programs, Vanderbilt University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vanderbilt located?
Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN. The institution is also known as Vanderbilt.
What is Vanderbilt's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt) is 5.9% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 45,313 applicants and 2,844 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Vanderbilt cost?
Reported tuition is $67,498 and average net price is $15,846 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $22,054 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 7,353 students, White (39.1%), Asian (18.6%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Vanderbilt?
About 12.2% of students at Vanderbilt University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Vanderbilt University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Vanderbilt University reports midpoint SAT about 1549 and midpoint ACT about 35.
What do graduates of Vanderbilt University earn?
Median earnings are $73,909 six years after entry and $91,565 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Vanderbilt University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 93.5% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Vanderbilt University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $14,000.
Is Vanderbilt University public or private?
Vanderbilt University is a private nonprofit institution located in Nashville, TN.
Is Vanderbilt University an HBCU?
No. Vanderbilt University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Vanderbilt University a tribal college?
No. Vanderbilt University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Tennessee college costs
- Tennessee colleges by ROI
- Nashville, Tennessee city profile
- Southeast regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Tennessee
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.