Vanderbilt University
About the university
Vanderbilt University is a prestigious private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, recognised for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary research and vibrant intellectual community. Established in 1873, Vanderbilt comprises 11 schools and colleges offering more than 65 undergraduate majors, advanced graduate and professional programmes in fields such as engineering, medicine, law, business, education, arts and sciences. The university is known for a strong emphasis on experiential and research‑based learning through programs like Immersion Vanderbilt, high research funding, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Its location in Nashville—an economic and cultural hub often called “Music City”—provides students access to a dynamic environment for internships, musical, artistic and professional growth. A diverse student body and an 8:1 student‑to‑faculty ratio encourage close engagement with faculty and peers, fostering a supportive environment for academic inquiry, leadership development and innovation.
Key information
- Location: Nashville, TN, USA
- Ranking #24
- QS #115
- THE #90
- US News #14
- National ranking #14
- Institution type: private
Popular faculties
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Law
- Business & Management
- Education
- Arts & Sciences
- Music
- Public Policy
- Computer Science
Programs (29)
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance and Accounting
- Marketing
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Law
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Philosophy
- History
- Linguistics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Environmental Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Music
Student body
- Total students: 13,670
- Undergraduate: 7,300
- Graduate: 6,300
- International students: 14%
Campus life
Campus life at Vanderbilt University blends rigorous academics with vibrant extracurricular engagement and a strong sense of community. With over 450 student organisations spanning academic, cultural, recreational and advocacy interests, students can pursue leadership, creativity and personal growth beyond the classroom. Vanderbilt’s location in Nashville—a city known for its music, arts, healthcare and entrepreneurial scene—provides abundant internships, cultural festivals and professional networking events. Residential life features on‑campus halls and Greek housing that foster social connections and traditions such as homecoming, athletics, and residential colleges. Commodore Athletics (SEC) and intramural leagues contribute to spirited school pride, while research opportunities and experiential programmes like Immersion Vanderbilt enrich academic experience and career readiness.
Housing & accommodation
Housing cost: $950 - $1,900 / per month
Housing options
- On‑campus residence halls
- Greek housing
- Shared off‑campus apartments
Student clubs and organizations
- Debate Society
- Engineers Without Borders
- Vanderbilt Entrepreneurship
- Black Student Association
- Vanderbilt Asian Students Association
- Vanderbilt Hillel
- Vanderbilt Running Club
- Sailing Club
- Film Society
- Environmental Law Society — among 450+ recognized organisations
Sports
- Vanderbilt Commodores Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Track & Field
Career & internships
Employment rate: 95%
Partner companies
- Microsoft
- Deloitte
- PwC
- Amazon
- HCA Healthcare
- Nissan North America
- EY — recruiters & alumni employers
Internships: Vanderbilt University integrates career readiness and experiential learning into its programmes through the Vanderbilt Career Center and Immersion Vanderbilt. Students receive tailored support for identifying internships, cooperative education placements, employer networking events and professional development workshops. The Career Center connects students with opportunities across sectors such as healthcare, technology, finance, public policy and entertainment, helping them secure internships and summer placements that provide practical experience and strengthen professional portfolios prior to graduation.
Admission requirements
Required tests
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- SAT
- GRE
Required documents
- High School Diploma/Equivalent
- Academic Transcripts
- English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
Minimum GPA: 3.9
Tuition costs
- $54,000 - $60,000 / per year
- Acceptance rate: 8.00%
- Scholarships available: Vanderbilt University offers a range of generous merit‑based and need‑based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Signature awards include the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, The Ingram Scholars Program, and the Chancellor’s Scholarship, often covering full tuition plus stipends for experiential learning opportunities. Both domestic and international students may apply, though international aid is competitive and need‑aware. Additional awards and financial aid packages aim to meet demonstrated financial need without requiring loans, and eligibility criteria, application details, and award amounts are updated annually.
Quick facts
- Founded: 1873
- Teaching languages: English, english
- Study formats: offline
Contact
- Website: https://www.vanderbilt.edu
- [email protected]
- +1 615‑322‑7311