Vanderbilt University

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Vanderbilt University

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Located in the heart of Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt is a mid-sized, high-level research university, that attracts a diverse group of highly talented students from around the country and the world. In an inclusive residential environment, students take advantage of more than 70 majors across four undergraduate schools, 475+ student-led organizations, and all that Nashville has to offer. The Opportunity Vanderbilt financial aid program helps make a Vanderbilt education affordable for all admitted students regardless of their economic circumstances. 60% of students conduct academic research, 50% study abroad, and over 70% participate in at least one internship while at Vanderbilt.

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Academic Programs

Art & Design
Business
Communication
Economics
Education
Engineering
Finance/Accounting
Government/Political Science
Health Science
Liberal Arts
Music
Performing Arts
Research
Science
Social Science
Technology
Visual Arts

Student experience

Athletics
Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Disability Services
Greek Life
Intramural/Club Sports
LGBTQIA Services
Military/Veteran Services
On-Campus Housing
ROTC Program
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

Vanderbilt seeks students of all backgrounds who have demonstrated strong academic skills and intellectual curiosity, and who have engaged in meaningful activities outside the classroom. For details about how to apply, visit admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/first-year-process/.

Vanderbilt considers you a first-year student if you have not completed the equivalent of at least 12 semester hours of credit after completing high school (high school degree or GED). Courses taken as dual-enrollment do not count towards these hours if those credits are being used to graduate from your high school program.

Transfer

Students from accredited institutions are welcome to apply for transfer admission. For transfer applicants, Vanderbilt seeks students of all backgrounds who have demonstrated strong academic skills in high school and college, and who have engaged in meaningful activities outside the classroom. Vanderbilt considers you a transfer student if you have completed the equivalent of at least 12 semester hours of credit after completing high school (high school degree or GED). Courses taken as dual-enrollment do not count towards these hours if those credits are being used to graduate from your high school program.

For details about how to apply, visit admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/transfer-process/

Additional Information

Our resolve to make a Vanderbilt education accessible and affordable to all admitted students is stronger than ever. Both our need-based and merit-based scholarships reflect our dedication to making a Vanderbilt education possible.

Opportunity Vanderbilt Need-based Scholarships
Our Opportunity Vanderbilt need-based scholarship program makes three commitments. First, for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, your ability to pay is not part of the admission decision. Second, we meet 100% of your family’s demonstrated need. Third, your financial aid award will not include loans. Opportunity Vanderbilt does all of this without income bands or income cutoffs that limit eligibility. Undocumented and DACA students are eligible for Vanderbilt’s need-based financial aid program in the same way as U.S. citizens. Learn more on our website.

Signature Merit Scholarships
Three signature scholarships – the Ingram Scholars Program, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, and the Chancellor’s Scholarship – comprise the majority of Vanderbilt’s merit-based awards. Recipients of these scholarships are guaranteed full-tuition awards for up to eight semesters that include a stipend for research, study abroad, a creative endeavor, or the required Immersion Vanderbilt experience. Learn more on our website.

Visit us

Visit campus to experience Vanderbilt's 340-acre, park-like setting in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more and register at vu.edu/visit.

You can also explore Vanderbilt through VirtualVU, online offerings spanning a wide variety of topics.

I chose Vanderbilt for the collaborative and friendly environment/people! Everyone here is extremely supportive and always wants to help. I don't think I ever walk anywhere without stopping to talk to someone I know on the way, and love how I'm constantly meeting new people and making new friends!
Remi Bristol, Biomedical Engineering major, '26