Vanderbilt University Tennessee

Vanderbilt is a highly selective private research university in Nashville, Tennessee that attracts top students from across the country with significant financial resources and a strong commitment to undergraduate education.

College statistics

Address:
2101 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN
37240
Sector Group:
Private Not-for-Profit 4-Year or Above
Official Website:
www.vanderbilt.edu/
Setting:
City
Research Activity Tier:
Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production
Economic Mobility Index:
Lower Access, Higher Earnings
Primary Undergraduate Major:
Social Sciences

Vanderbilt is a private research university located in Nashville's urban setting. The school serves a national student body and is classified as a doctoral institution with very high research activity, meaning undergraduates study alongside faculty who are actively conducting advanced research across sciences, engineering, humanities, and professional fields. The campus culture balances serious academics with a vibrant social scene in a city known for music, healthcare, and business.

Vanderbilt enrolls 13,456 students and costs $89,590 per year for tuition, room, and board—the same whether you're from Tennessee or out of state. That's a significant investment, though the university's $396 million endowment allows it to meet demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The school is genuinely need-blind in admissions, meaning your ability to pay doesn't affect whether you get in.

Vanderbilt admits only 6.3% of applicants, making it one of the most selective schools in the country. Admitted students typically score 770+ on the SAT reading section and 790+ on math, or a 35 on the ACT composite. The 92.7% six-year graduation rate reflects both the caliber of students admitted and strong institutional support. This is a school for students with excellent grades and test scores who are ready for a rigorous, research-focused education in a major city.