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Jun
16
2025

University of California, Berkeley – Tuition and Fees

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University of California, Berkeley – Tuition and Fees

University of California, Berkeley - Tuition and Fees

On this page:

    On this page:

      By Susan Guillory

      (Last Updated – 06/2025)

      Located in Berkeley, California, the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public research university and flagship campus of the University of California system. UC Berkeley offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and operates on a semester calendar. This guide will provide detailed information on UC Berkeley tuition and fees, financial aid opportunities, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and more.

      Total Cost of Attendance

      UC Berkeley tuition for the 2024-25 school year was $16,347 for in-state students and $50,547 for out-of-state students. This is higher than the national average public college tuition of $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students.

      Estimated Costs for 2024-25

      Expenses

      In-State

      Out-of-State

      Tuition & Fees

      $16,347

      $50,547

      Books & Supplies

      $1,131

      $1,131

      Living Expenses (On Campus)

      $23,750

      $23,750

      Other Expenses (On Campus)

      $7,031

      $7,031

      Total Cost of Attendance

      $48,259

      $82,459

      Financial Aid

      More than half of the students (61%) have some sort of financial aid to help cover UC Berkeley tuition. That includes scholarships, grants, and loans.

      Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

      The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

      •  Scholarships: Scholarships can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

      •  Grants: Grants are generally based on financial need. These can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

      •  Work-study: Federal Work-Study provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

      •  Federal student loans: Federal student loans are money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

      Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

      You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

      •  U.S. Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

      •  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

      Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

      Private Student Loans

      When it comes to student loans, there are both federal and private student loans available. At Berkeley, 20% of students take out federal student loans and 7% take out private loans. The average private student loan per year is $6,790.

      Private student loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

      What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

      Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

      If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

      Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

      Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

      Over four years, a degree at Berkeley will cost (based on 2024-25 numbers) approximately $193,036 for in-state students. This is higher than the average four-year program at public universities in the U.S. of $115,360.

      Recommended: California Student Loan & Scholarship Information

      Repay student loans your way.

      Find the monthly
      payment & rate that fits your budget.

      View Your Rate

      Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

      Estimated Costs for 2024-25

      UC Berkeley undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-25 are $16,347 for in-state students and $50,547 for out-of-state students, with living expenses being $23,750.

      Graduate Tuition and Fees

      Estimated Costs for 2024-25

      Expenses

      In-State

      Out-of-State

      Tuition

      $12,762

      $27,864

      Fees

      $3,104

      $3,104

      Total

      $15,866

      $30,968

      Berkeley offers several highly respected graduate programs. For 2024-25, graduate tuition (including fees) is $15,866 for in-state students and $30,968 for out-of-state students. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

      Campus Housing Expenses

      Estimated Costs for 2025-26

      In addition to UC Berkeley tuition, students must pay for housing, either on campus or off. While freshmen aren’t required to live on campus, 96% of first-year students choose to, enjoying amenities in one of the eight residence halls.

      The estimated cost of room and board if you live in an on-campus residence hall ranges from $11,780 to $18,710 for the 2025-26 school year.

      Those opting to live off-campus have plenty of options, and Berkeley offers many resources to help you find the right apartment, duplex, or house for your needs. This guide can help with off-campus living.

      UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

      Fall 2024

      Number of applications

      124,242

      Number accepted

      13,701

      Percentage Accepted

      11%

      At just 11%, the Berkeley acceptance rate is low, making the university quite competitive.

      Admission Requirements

      Berkeley has high standards for admissions. Here are the things that are required or recommended with your application.

      Required:

      •  Meet the A-G subject course requirements (find out more here )

      •  Have a 3.0 GPA in A-G courses taken in the 10th and 11th grade years (3.4 GPA for non-residents)

      Recommended:

      •  Letters of recommendation

      Profile of a First-Year Student in 2024:

      •  Unweighted GPA: 3.89-4.00

      •  Weighted GPA: 4.31-4.65

      Important Dates:

      •  Application available: August 1

      •  Application deadline: December 2

      •  Financial aid (FAFSA or CA Dream Act) applications open: December 1

      •  FAFSA and CA Dream Act deadline: April 2

      •  First-year decisions posted: End of March

      •  First-year deadline to accept offer of admission: May 1

      Note: UC Berkeley does not offer early admission or early decision.

      SAT and ACT Scores

      UC Berkeley is test-free, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. If you choose to submit them, your scores may be used for placement or credit purposes.

      Since the university is test-free, they no longer report test score percentiles.

      Graduation Rate

      Students who started their studies at Berkeley in 2017 had the following rate of graduation:

      •  4 years: 81%

      •  6 years: 93%

      Post-Graduation Median Earnings

      Berkeley graduates go on to do great things, and get paid well to do them! The median annual salary of graduates is $92,446, whereas the median for all college graduates in the U.S. is $68,680.

      Bottom Line

      Berkeley is an affordable and excellent option for students who live in California. For those who don’t, the price tag can be steep. However, the university notes that roughly two-thirds of students receive some form of financial aid, and that a full 38% of students pay nothing out of pocket for tuition due to grants and scholarships. Graduates also typically earn a significantly higher salary than the average.

      SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no origination fees.

      View Your Rate

      SoFi Private Student Loans
      Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
      Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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      SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


      Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


      Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.



      Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

      External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

      SOISL-Q225-064

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      Jun
      16
      2025

      5 Things to Do If You Don’t Have a Steady Paycheck

      By | | Comments Off on 5 Things to Do If You Don’t Have a Steady Paycheck

      This article appeared in SoFi's On the Money newsletter. Not getting it? Sign up here.

      Navigating life with an income that fluctuates is tricky — even if it ebbs and flows with some predictability during certain times of year or when the tourists come to town.

      You teach and have to cobble together odd jobs during the summer. Or you work in a field with peak seasons, like landscaping in the spring or retail during the holidays. Maybe you’re a freelancer dependent on your clients’ fortunes or a realtor who works on commission. Perhaps you’ve lost a job — or two or three — since the pandemic upended so much of what we took for granted.

      No matter the reason for it, it’s quite common to lack a steady paycheck. In 2024, 29% of U.S. adults had income that varied at least occasionally from month to month, including 59% of the self-employed and 41% of those doing gig work, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking.

      An irregular income requires extra discipline and planning. But there are ways to make it work. Here are five things to do to maximize the ups and downs.

      1.    Establish a buffer account to smooth out your income. Estimate the total cost of your basic monthly living — rent or mortgage, utilities, food, car payment, gas, etc. — with a free budgeting app (we prefer SoFi Relay). Whenever you earn more than you need to cover that baseline amount, set the extra aside in a buffer account to help cover leaner months.

      (Note: Don’t try to predict an unpredictable income — by definition, there’s a good chance you’ll be wrong. Instead, once you’ve been able to maintain a decent buffer for several months, consider increasing the baseline number to include a fixed contribution toward college, retirement or other financial goals as well as a realistic budget for nice-to-haves.)

      2.    Scale your spending. Spending less when you’re earning less may sound obvious, but what about spending more when you’re earning more? Scaling your budget up and down isn’t just about lifestyle decisions like whether to eat out. It can be more extensive – if you plan properly.

      •   Make a list of expenses you can hold off on when your income is low, like home maintenance, non-urgent doctor’s appointments, or car repairs. Leave them for when you have a higher-earning month.

      •   Buy non-perishable supplies in bulk amounts during higher-earning months. You can take advantage of bulk prices and have enough to last you through the leaner months.

      •   Put a bonus or big commission into your retirement account so you won’t worry about not contributing when money is tighter.

      3.    Revisit your W-4 and automatic contributions frequently. Automation can be useful in many situations, but not when your income is changing a lot.

      •   If you have at least one job where taxes are withheld from your paycheck, make sure to keep your W-4 updated by using the IRS’s Tax Withholding Estimator. Adding or losing a job can skew the amount that’s withheld, reducing your paychecks unnecessarily or setting you up for a big tax bill.

      •   Adjust any automatic contributions up or down as needed (or make them manually instead.) This would include contributions to retirement accounts, college savings accounts, investment apps, high-yield savings accounts, Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts.

      4.    Consider government assistance. You don’t have to have a chronically low income to qualify for financial assistance. Eligibility is often based on your recent income, so an employment gap or dry spell could qualify you. The key is not to assume anything. Even if you’re still employed, own a home or have a retirement account, check the rules in your state for:

      •   Unemployment insurance

      •   SNAP (groceries)

      •   Fuel assistance

      •   Medicaid (insurance)

      •   Other forms of financial aid (like IRS Free File, YMCA memberships, or Amazon Prime subscriptions.)

      Extra help could be a lifeline — even if it’s just for a few months or on and off when you’re having a rough patch.

      5.    Hit ‘pause.’ You probably have memberships or subscriptions that are not essential – especially when money is tight. But you don’t have to get rid of them altogether. Whether it’s news, a streaming service, or a meditation app, avoid the hassle of cancelling and signing up again by pausing or freezing your subscription. If the pause is temporary, make sure to mark the resumption date down on your calendar.

      Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

      The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

      SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

      OTM2025061601

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      Jun
      16
      2025

      Motivational Math for the Saver Within You

      By | | Comments Off on Motivational Math for the Saver Within You

      This article appeared in SoFi's On the Money newsletter. Not getting it? Sign up here.

      Let’s face it, saving for the future can be hard. It’s often tough to prioritize it over more immediate needs. Or it can’t be a priority, given your job status, family situation, or extenuating circumstance.

      Perhaps it seems futile, considering how much you’ll need in the end. Or, you want to start that 401(k), but you’re daunted by the prospect of losing money in an unpredictable stock market. Maybe you are saving, but it’s taking immense self-control not to spend the money instead.

      No matter the circumstance, it can be challenging to build up the savings you’re going to need for retirement, your kids’ college education, or an unexpected emergency. So here’s some math to motivate you.

      First, the earlier you get started, the better. And not only because you’ll have more time to invest, but because the longer you’re in the market, the more compound returns can work in your favor.

      Making regular contributions through your employer’s 401(k) plan or to an individual retirement account (IRA) demonstrates the power we’re talking about. As this chart shows, starting at age 20 rather than 35 could mean hundreds of thousands of additional dollars by age 65 — even if the 20-year-old contributes half as much each month.

      Second, the U.S. stock market tends to appreciate over time. The S&P 500 Index, the broadest measure of the market, has delivered an average return of roughly 10% over the long term (or 6%-7% when adjusted for inflation).

      And, despite the market swings in the first quarter of this year, U.S. workers contributed an unprecedented share of their paychecks to their 401(k)s — an average of 9.5%, according to Fidelity Investments, which has over 24 million plan participants.

      Third, consider this stark divide: The number of 401(k)-created millionaires with Fidelity jumped 27% to 537,000 in 2024. And yet, 40% of U.S. adults don’t have any money invested in a retirement savings plan, according to an April Gallup poll.

      So what? Your bills, fears, and countless other priorities can interfere with your long-term financial goals. But the cliches are true: Even a little goes a long way when you use a high-yield savings account, 529 college savings plan, or retirement account. And the longer you’re invested, the more likely you are to earn a return. Like they say, the best day to start investing was yesterday; the second best day is today.

      Related Reading

      •   When It Comes to Saving, Gen Z Asks: ‘What’s the Point?’ That’s Dangerous, Expert Says (CNBC)

      •   How Much Do You Need to Retire? Here’s the Truth (SoFi)

      •   How Parents Can Balance Both Retirement and College Saving (InvestmentNews video)

      Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

      The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

      SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

      OTM20250616SW

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      Jun
      16
      2025

      Week Ahead on Wall Street: What The Fed

      By | | Comments Off on Week Ahead on Wall Street: What The Fed

      All eyes are on the Federal Reserve’s June meeting this week. While no change in interest rates is expected, the tone and tenor of this gathering will still go a long way in determining market direction this summer.

      Economic growth has been weaker than expected (bad) while inflation, a key focus for the central bank, has shown a welcome deceleration (good). This combination suggests that the disinflationary trend may be gaining traction, despite the specter of tariff-related price hikes. It remains to be seen how and when tariffs will appear in the data, which creates a delicate balance for policymakers.

      Ongoing uncertainty means that investors will pay extra attention to the Fed’s quarterly Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). Released alongside the policy statement, the SEP provides a look into where individual (anonymous) Fed officials see growth, unemployment, and inflation heading.

      Most importantly for markets, it includes the “dot plot,” which maps out their respective expectations for the future path of interest rates.

      Given the crosscurrents of slowing growth and uncertainty about inflation, the Fed’s updated forecasts and Chair Jerome Powell’s commentary will be scrutinized for any shift in outlook. How they message their confidence—or concerns—about the path forward will go a long way in determining if stocks can continue rallying or if the music is about to stop.

      Economic and Earnings Calendar

      Monday

      •   June Empire State Manufacturing Activity: The New York Fed’s survey of manufacturing executives in the region on business conditions and their outlook.

      •   Earnings: Lennar (LEN)

      Tuesday

      •   May Retail Sales: This measures spending at retail stores and is a key indicator of consumer demand.

      •   May Import/Export Price Indexes: These indexes track the changes in the prices of nonmilitary goods and services traded between the U.S. and the rest of the world.

      •   June New York Services Activity: The New York Fed’s survey of manufacturing executives in the region on business conditions and their outlook.

      •   May Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization: The industrial sector accounts for much of the cyclical swings in economic activity.

      •   June NAHB Housing Market Index: This index tracks how homebuilders feel about the current and future state of the single-family housing market.

      •   Earnings: Jabil (JBL)

      Wednesday

      •   May Building Permits and Housing Starts: Construction data is a leading indicator of economic activity.

      •   FOMC Interest Rate Decision: The Federal Reserve will announce any changes to monetary policy after the conclusion of its two-day FOMC meeting, in addition to providing commentary on the economy. It’s one of eight regularly scheduled meetings per year.

      •   Weekly Mortgage Applications: Mortgage activity gives insight on demand conditions in the housing market.

      •   Weekly Jobless Claims: This high frequency labor market data gives insight into filings for unemployment benefits. Jobless claims have continued to show a labor market that remains strong despite having cooled.

      Thursday

      •   Markets are closed on Juneteenth.

      Friday

      •   June Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Activity: The Philadelphia Fed’s survey of manufacturing executives in the region on business conditions and their outlook.

      •   May Leading Economic Index: This is an index composed of various economic indicators that have historically led changes in the broader economy.

       

      Want to see more stories like this?
      On the Money is SoFi’s flagship newsletter
      for all things personal finance.

      Check it out

       

      Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

      The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

      SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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      Jun
      15
      2025

      Vanderbilt University Tuition and Fees

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      Vanderbilt University Tuition and Fees

      Vanderbilt University Tuition

      On this page:

        On this page:

          By Susan Guillory

          (Last Updated – 06/2025)

          Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a prestigious private research university founded in 1873. Top-ranked in academics, Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education and human development. The school also stands out for its commitment to experiential and interdisciplinary learning, and highly ranked graduate programs of law, education, business, medicine, and nursing.

          Total Cost of Attendance

          The total cost of attendance at Vanderbilt University (also known as Vanderbilt and VU) in 2024-25 was $94,142, which is significantly higher than the national average of $60,420 at private colleges.

          Here’s a look at how those costs breakdown:

          Costs for 2024-2025


          Tuition & Fees

          $67,498

          Books & Supplies

          $1,194

          Room & Board (On-Campus)

          $22,054

          Other Expenses

          $3,396

          Total Cost of Attendance

          $94,142

          Financial Aid

          Vanderbilt is need-blind when reviewing applications, which means a student’s financial need will not influence an admission decision. In fact, around 70% of Vanderbilt students use financial aid to help cover the tuition and other costs. This may be scholarships, grants, student loans, or a combination of these.

          Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

          The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

          •  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

          •  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

          •  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

          •  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

          Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

          You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

          •   US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

          •   College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

          •   SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our handy tool to streamline your search by award type, location, level of study and more.

          Recommended: Tennessee Student Loan & Scholarship Information

          Private Student Loans

          Some students take out student loans to help cover Vanderbilt tuition and other costs: 9% take out federal loans, and 2% get private student loans (with an average amount of $33,591).

          Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

          What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

          Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

          If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

          Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

          Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

          The total cost to attend Vanderbilt University for four years — including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses — would be $376,568 (based on 2024-25 numbers). This is much higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at a private university.

          This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

          Repay student loans your way.

          Find the monthly
          payment & rate that fits your budget.

          View Your Rate

          Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

          Costs for 2024-25

          Vanderbilt University undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-25 were $67,498, which represents a 5.6% increase over 2023-24.

          Graduate Tuition and Fees

          Costs for 2024-25

          •   Average tuition: $56,376

          •   Fees: $1,492

          Tuition and fees for graduate students at Vanderbilt for 2024-25 averaged $57,868. This is substantially higher than the average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S., which is $22,430 per year.

          There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

          Cost per Credit Hour

          Assuming a student takes 15 credits per semester, the cost per credit hour is $2,249 for undergraduate students at VU. This includes tuition and fees.

          Campus Housing Expenses

          All unmarried undergraduate students must live in residence halls on campus. (Authorization to live off campus is only granted in special circumstances or when space is unavailable on campus.)

          Costs for 2022-23

          •   Estimated on-campus housing and food expenses: $22,054

          •   Estimated other living expenses: $3,396

          Total living expenses for the 2024-24 academic year were estimated at $25,450.

          Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate

          Fall 2023

          Number of Applications

          45,313

          Number Accepted

          2,719

          Percentage Accepted

          6%

          The Vanderbilt University acceptance rate is 6%, which makes the school extremely selective.

          Admission Requirements

          Here’s what you’ll need to apply to Vanderbilt as a first-year student:

          •   All required parts of the Common Application or Coalition, powered by Scoir, including the personal essay and short answer

          •   $50 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students

          •   Official high school transcript

          •   Counselor letter of recommendation

          •   Two academic teacher letters of recommendation

          Optional materials:

          •   SAT or ACT scores

          •   Schoolhouse.world portfolio (may be uploaded via MyAppVU portal)

          •   U.S. citizens (including undocumented students, attending high school in the U.S.) may submit a 60-90 second video through Glimpse.

          Here are the application deadlines:

          •   Early Decision I: November 1 (with admission decisions available mid-December)

          •   Early Decision II: January 1 (with admission decisions available mid-February)

          •   Regular Decision: January 1 (with admission decisions available late March)

          SAT and ACT Scores

          Though submitting test scores is optional at Vanderbilt, it can be helpful to know the average scores of other students who chose to submit their scores.

          Here are the standardized test scores of students who enrolled in Fall 2023 at the 25th and 75th percentiles.

          Subject

          25th Percentile

          75th Percentile

          SAT Evidence-Based
          Reading/Writing

          740

          770

          SAT Math

          770

          790

          ACT Composite

          34

          35

          ACT English

          35

          36

          ACT Math

          32

          35

          Graduation Rate

          The vast majority of Vanderbilt students complete their degree in four years. But some students take longer. Here are the graduation rates for students who began at the school in 2017.

          •  4 years: 97%

          •  6 years: 93%

          Post-Graduation Median Earnings

          The average annual salary for Vanderbilt University graduates is $91,000. This is significantly higher than the average projected starting salary for the class of 2025 at the bachelor’s degree level, which is $68,680.

          Bottom Line

          Vanderbilt University is a sought-after private college that is difficult to get into and offers a world-class education. Tuition is on the upper end, but more than two-thirds of Vanderbilt undergraduates receive some sort of financial aid, including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and student loans. Graduates typically earn a higher salary than the average.

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          External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.


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