# Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/vanderbilt-university

Vanderbilt University is a private nonprofit college in Nashville, TN with 7,208 undergraduates. It admits 5.9% of applicants, and admitted students average 1549 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $15,497 per year ($3,637 for families earning under $30,000). 93% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $99,080 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 5.9% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 45,313 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 2,844 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 730–770 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 770–800 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 34–35 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $94,142 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $15,497 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $3,637 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $1,908 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $5,651 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $11,284 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $42,583 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 7,208 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 93% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $99,080 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $15,000 (FY2024) |

## What Vanderbilt University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Vanderbilt University's acceptance rate?**

Vanderbilt University admits 5.9% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Vanderbilt University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 730–770 on SAT Reading and Writing and 770–800 on SAT Math; the average total is 1549.

**What ACT score do you need for Vanderbilt University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 34–35.

**Is Vanderbilt University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Vanderbilt University?**

In Fall 2023, 45,313 students applied to Vanderbilt University and 2,844 were admitted; 1,622 enrolled.

**Does Vanderbilt University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Vanderbilt University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Vanderbilt University require an essay?**

Vanderbilt University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Vanderbilt University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $94,142 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,497.

**What is Vanderbilt University's graduation rate?**

93% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 221999. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology