Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
How selective is it?
Vanderbilt University is in our Most Selective tier (Under ~15% acceptance). Admission is a long shot for nearly every applicant, strong grades and scores are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Third-party estimates ~6-9%.
Tiers are broad on purpose. Acceptance rates move every cycle, and many schools are more competitive for specific majors than the school overall, so use this as a starting point for your list, not a prediction.
How to use Vanderbilt University in your college list
Treat this as a reach for nearly every applicant, even with top grades and test scores. Apply because the school fits you, not because you expect to get in, and balance it with several schools in lower tiers. Review at these schools is typically holistic, so essays, activities, and recommendations carry real weight.
Building a list across tiers? See all 10 Tennessee colleges in our finder, or follow our guide to building a list by score and GPA.
What it's known for
Vanderbilt University is widely recognized for strengths in the fields below. This reflects peer-assessment rankings and long-standing reputation, not a full list of programs.
Explore related majors: Nursing, Health Sciences, Public Health.
Check the current numbers yourself
For Vanderbilt University's current test-score and GPA ranges, acceptance rate, and cost, go to the source:
- Find its Common Data Set ↗ Section C has the middle 50% of scores and GPA. Our step-by-step guide shows how to read it.
- College Scorecard ↗ U.S. Department of Education data on cost, graduation, and outcomes.
- Net price calculator ↗ Estimate what your family would actually pay after aid.
- Find the official admissions page ↗ Deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.
Similar colleges to consider
Schools with a similar selectivity, in the same state, or known for the same fields. A balanced list usually mixes a few reaches, several realistic targets, and at least one or two safeties.
- Duke UniversityDurham, NC · Most Selective
- Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA · Most Selective
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD · Most Selective
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA · Most Selective
- Washington University in St. LouisSt. Louis, MO · Most Selective
- UNC Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC · Highly Selective
Frequently asked questions
How selective is Vanderbilt University?+
Vanderbilt University sits in our "Most Selective" tier (Under ~15% acceptance). Third-party estimates ~6-9%.
Is Vanderbilt University hard to get into?+
Admission is a long shot for nearly every applicant, strong grades and scores are a starting point, not a guarantee. Selectivity varies by major and changes every admissions cycle, so treat the tier as a starting point and check Vanderbilt University's own admissions data for the current year.
What is Vanderbilt University known for?+
Vanderbilt University is widely recognized for strengths in Nursing & Health. This reflects reputation and peer-assessment rankings, not a complete list of programs, so confirm that a specific major is offered and how competitive it is.
How do I find Vanderbilt University's current SAT, ACT, and GPA ranges?+
Search "Vanderbilt University Common Data Set" and open Section C, which lists the middle 50% of test scores and GPA for the entering class. Our guide "How to Build Your Own College List by Score and GPA" on this site walks through it step by step.
Where is Vanderbilt University?+
Vanderbilt University is a private institution in Nashville, Tennessee.
Selectivity tiers and "known for" tags are general guidance compiled from public sources and may be out of date. MajorAtlas isn't affiliated with Vanderbilt University. Always confirm details with the school.