By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research university that’s considered one of the best in the country. Ranked #11 in national universities (in a tie with Cornell University) by U.S. News & World Report, the university is affiliated with 101 Nobel Prize winners and 27 Pulitzer Prize winners. It has highly regarded schools in law, medicine, and public policy, among others.

In this guide, we’ll detail the university’s admission process, the UChicago acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

University of Chicago is a private school, so the cost of attendance will be the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

In 2024-25, costs at the University of Chicago were:

Financial Aid

The admissions process at UChicago is “need-blind,” which means the school admits students without consideration of financial resources through a student-first admissions process. Plus, those who apply for financial aid do not need to pay an application fee. These policies can help aspiring students from lower- to middle-income families who otherwise wouldn’t have the financial resources to attend.

In 2022-23, 53% of students received some kind of financial aid, including student loans. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 46% received this kind of aid with the average award being $58,877.

•  Federal grants: 17% received this kind of aid with an average award of $9,481.

•  Pell grants: 17% received this kind of aid with the average award being $5,600.

•  Other federal grants: 17% received this kind of aid with an average award of $3,990.

•  State/local: 3% received this kind of aid and the average award was $7,200.

•  Institutional: 45% received this kind of aid with the average award being $55,101.

•  Student loan aid: 7% received this kind of aid with an average award of $13,890.

•  Federal student loans: 6% received this kind of aid and the average award was $5,213.

•  Other student loans: 1% received this kind of aid with the average award being $43,247.

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. They come 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

In 2022-23, 1% of UChicago students received private student loan funding with an average award of $43,247.

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 UChicago will cost (based on 2024-25 numbers) approximately $379,884. This is higher than the average four-year cost of attendance at private universities in the U.S., which is $241,680.

Here’s some Illinois Student Loan & Scholarship Information.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

UChicago undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-25 were $70,662, with books and supplies being $1,800.

Total costs were as follows:

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Graduation tuition at the university in 2024-25 was $67,200, with fees of $1,452, for a total of $68,652 per year. This is significantly higher than the average cost of graduate school in the United States, which is $21,730 per year.

Graduate loans can help with this cost.

Campus Housing Expenses

All entering first-year students are required to live in on-campus housing for their first two academic years. Transfer students are required to live in on-campus housing for their first academic year at the school.

In 2024-25, room and board at the University of Chicago was $20,109, a 4.6% increase from the previous year.

University of Chicago Acceptance Rate

In fall 2023, 38,631 people applied to the university. The UChicago acceptance rate was 5%, making the school challenging to get into.

Admission Requirements

As part of the application process, students need to submit:

•   Application for admission and supplemental essays

•   Secondary school report and transcript

•   Two teacher evaluations

•   Mid-year report

•   SAT/ACT scores (optional)

•   Video profile (optional but recommended)

•   Supplemental materials (optional)

Application Deadlines

•   Early Action/Early Decision I: November 1

•   Early Decision II/Regular Decision: January 6

•   Admission Decision Release Date: Mid-December (Early Action/Early Decision I); mid-February (Early Decision II); late March (Regular Decision)

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of Chicago is a test optional school. In fall 2023, 46% of applicants submitted SAT scores and 30% submitted ACT scores. The 25th and 75th percentile scores were:

Popular Majors at University of Chicago

Complementing the university’s “Core” curriculum are 65 majors and 63 minors, as well as dozens of areas of specialized study. Here are some of the most popular majors at UChicago.

1. Econometrics

This curriculum prepares students to understand today’s economy (pricing, markets, income, employment, and more). Econometrics integrates the disciplines of mathematics and statistics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 522

2. Mathematics

Undergraduates can choose between a BA and a BS program, each offering comprehensive instruction. BS degrees can have an applied mathematics specialization or one with a focus on economics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 136

3. Computer Science

This degree is also available as a BA or BS, and each can be combined with an MS program. Students in the BA program who don’t go to grad school are prepared for a career in the computer science industry. Those in the BS program can add another field of study for a broader education.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 128

4. Biology

Students can choose between a BA or BS with optional specializations that include cancer biology, cellular/molecular, developmental, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and quantitative biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 121

5. Political Science

This program prepares students for a wide range of careers — in government, business, nonprofit organizations, education, and journalism — and serves as a basis for a law degree, among other options.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 83

6. Neuroscience

Students can choose between a BA and a BS with the latter having access to an honors program and providing intensive individual research. Undergraduates learn about neural function from molecule to species level.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 53

7. History

Students can choose from tracks that allow them to gain expertise in a specific historical time, place, or theme, and complete a research project.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 49

8. Experimental Psychology

In this program, undergrads learn about psychology in broad ways, integrating knowledge in methodologies that connect the discipline with other areas of study. They also participate in research projects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 46

9. Public Policy Analysis

Students learn how to analyze policy, use economic and quantitative methods, conduct policy research, enhance communication skills, and focus on one or more policy areas.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 44

10. Physics

Undergraduates study the fundamentals of physics in a way that grounds them in foundational knowledge. This prepares the students who want to earn additional degrees in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 40

UChicago Graduation Rate

Graduation rates at UChicago are high. These are the rates for students who started their studies in fall 2017:

•  4 years: 86%

•  6 years: 95%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The median annual income for University of Chicago graduates is $91,885. That’s significantly higher than the median income for all graduates of four-year institutions in the U.S., which is $68,680.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Popular Majors at UC Berkeley

Berkeley has more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units. Here are some of the most popular majors at Berkeley.

1. Computer Science

Berkeley’s computer science program was ranked #2 (in a tie with three other schools) in the US News 2025 rankings for Computer Science. The program offers classes in multiple programming languages, as well as courses in theory of computation, the architecture and logic design of computers, and artificial intelligence.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 866

2. Economics

Berkeley’s economics program is ranked one of the best in the world. Economics students learn about labor, land, investments, taxes, and governments.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 753

3. Molecular & Cellular Biology

With state-of-the-art research facilities, the molecular and cell biology program teaches students about molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 692

4. Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Combining fundamentals of both computer science and electrical engineering, this program offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree. It includes math and science courses as well as non-technical courses.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 456

5. Business Administration

The highly-competitive Haas Undergraduate Program offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students can choose one of the following pathways: Spieker Undergraduate Business Program; Global Management Program; Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology; and the Robinson Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LBSE) Program.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 428

6. Political Science & Government

Students of political science will learn about political ideas, the U.S. and international political systems, and ethical problems of power.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 395

7. Psychology

Students in psychology learn about behavior neuroscience, developmental, clinical science, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and social-personality psychology. They also learn to use critical thinking and research, and have the opportunity to aid in research studies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 322

8. Sociology

UC Berkeley’s Sociology Department is consistently ranked among the world’s best. The undergraduate degree program includes training in research methods and sociological theory. It also offers opportunities to explore the broad range of sociological research and dive deeper into specific subjects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 261

9. Mass Communication/Media Studies

Students majoring in media studies look at communications and media technologies, industries, policies, and culture in the U.S. and globally.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 226

10. Environmental Studies

Berkeley offers several majors in environmental studies, including environmental earth science, environmental design and urbanism in developing countries, environmental economics and policy, environmental engineering, environmental engineering science, and environmental sciences.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 215

Click here to learn more about all the majors Berkeley offers.

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.

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:

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.

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

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.

Popular Majors at Vanderbilt University

With more than 100 majors and minors to choose from, across more than 70 fields of study, students may have a tough time narrowing it down. Here are some of the most popular majors at Vanderbilt.

1. Economics

The most popular major in the College of Arts and Science, the B.S. in economics offers a foundation in both micro and macroeconomics and econometrics. Students can also customize their coursework by choosing classes in other departments and through study abroad. Graduates often go on to complete their MBAs after working for several years in fields like banking, manufacturing, or startups.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 247

2. Computer Science

Computer science majors follow an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to meet real-world demands and prepare students for careers in computer science and related fields. The program includes core courses in data structures, intermediate software design, and algorithms, as well as technical electives in areas like artificial intelligence, data visualization, and machine learning.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 153

3. Neuroscience

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that provides a comprehensive education in the study of the nervous system. It offers a variety of courses in biology, psychology, chemistry, and other related fields, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of brain function. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research and collaborate with faculty members. Graduates typically pursue careers in medicine, biomedical research, dentistry, and psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 62

4. Political Science

The Political Science major provides a comprehensive education in government, politics, and public policy, focusing on understanding political systems and analyzing current events. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate political issues and offers a strong foundation for further education or careers in law, government, foreign affairs, market research, education, and private industry.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 55

5. Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering program provides a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, design, analysis, and manufacturing. Students also gain practical skills through hands-on lab work and research opportunities. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, preparing graduates for various industries and research roles.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 54

6. Biomedical Engineering

The biomedical engineering major is a challenging and innovative program that combines engineering principles with biological sciences to solve problems in health care and medicine. Students develop and design medical devices, systems, and processes, focusing on both fundamental research and clinical applications. The program benefits from its close proximity to the Vanderbilt Medical Center, offering impactful research opportunities for students.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 51

7. Psychology

The psychology major focuses on understanding the human brain, behavior, and cognitive processes. It’s a broad-based program that covers clinical science, human cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience. Students have opportunities to participate in research, both as subjects and as investigators. Graduates typically pursue careers in counseling, psychiatry, neuroscience, business, or education.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 47

8. Cognitive Studies

The cognitive studies major is an interdisciplinary program that explores the workings of the mind and brain, examining their relationship to each other and to the world. It’s an interdisciplinary field that draws on elements of computer science, philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 45

9. Mathematics

The mathematics major offers several tracks, including a standard, applied, and honors program. Students in the standard track focus on both pure and applied mathematics, while the applied track allows for more concentration in areas like statistics and modeling. Graduates often go on to careers in medicine, engineering, finance, and computer science.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 41

10. Molecular and Cellular Biology

Students who major in molecular and cellular biology gain a deep understanding of how organisms function at the cellular and molecular level. They have access to extensive research opportunities, thanks to numerous on-site research centers and labs. This major is a good choice for those interested in biological and biomedical research or medicine.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 36

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.