VU Description

With impressive resources and outstanding academics, Vanderbilt University is widely considered one of the finest universities in the country. Vanderbilt takes this reputation seriously and works to maintain it. The university features more than 120 centers and institutes for graduate research, and it keeps a low undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio.

Vanderbilt administers its academics through 10 schools. Six of these schools offer graduate degree programs, while the remaining four offer both undergraduate and graduate study. About 130 degree programs are available in total.

Student life at Vanderbilt is active and diverse. There are over 300 student organizations on campus, with numerous opportunities in the arts, athletics, student government and more. Greek life on campus is vibrant, featuring more than 35 fraternities and sororities.

Though tuition at Vanderbilt University is not cheap, the school has recently undergone substantial efforts to reduce student debt. Vanderbilt’s new Expanded Aid Program promises to meet all of a family’s demonstrated need, and eliminates need-based loans from financial aid programs.

Part of the reason for this overhaul is the university’s admissions policy. Vanderbilt’s admissions are need-blind, meaning financial need does not play a role in admissions decisions. All students are welcome to apply to the university, regardless of their financial background.

Quick Facts

Location

Southeast

Setting

Large City Setting

Type

Private

Size

Large (5,000 to 10,000 Undergrad)

Mascot

Commodores

Nicknames

Vandy, VU

On-Campus Housing Available

Yes

In-State Tuition

$38,578

Out-of-State Tuition

$38,578

Selectivity

Most Selective

Enrollment

12,516

VU Students

Full-Time Undergrad Students
6,637
Freshman Class
1,599
Total Students (Undergrads & Graduate Students)
12,516

Undergraduate vs. Graduate

Undergraduate
53%
Graduate
47%

Full-Time vs. Part-time Students

Full-Time
99%
Part-Time
1%

Students Coming From In-State vs. Out-of-State

In-State
13%
Out-of-State
87%

Gender of Students

Women
52%
Men
48%

Ethnic Diversity

African-American
8%
Asian
6%
Caucasian
62%
Latino
4%
Other
20%

Students State Origin

Tennessee
13%
New York
8%
Illinois
7%
Texas
7%
Georgia
6%
Other
59%

International Students

International
8%
Domestic
92%