Vanderbilt University Tuition and Fees

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.