Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements

Vanderbilt University is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission. The acceptance rate of Vanderbilt University is 7.14%, meaning that approximately 7 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to excel in every area to be selected. Your GPA, IB, AP, SAT, and ACT scores should be in the top range to get in. We have listed all the requirements and score ranges needed for admission to Vanderbilt University so you can better prepare yourself. Meeting their general GPA and test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as without these, you will not move to the second round of the admission process. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is very important. If you don't meet these requirements, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

Additionally, the admission staff looks beyond academic performance. Your personality, aptitude, interpersonal communication skills, participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, leadership activities, and ability to take on leadership roles are also important factors.

Vanderbilt University Admission Requirements

Vanderbilt University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at Vanderbilt University is 3.95. This indicates that Vanderbilt University is extremely selective in terms of GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some may use unweighted GPA. For exact information, contact the school admission staff.)

With an average GPA of 3.95, Vanderbilt University requires you to be at the top of your class. You need to score straight A's in all classes to have a good chance of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability, particularly in areas related to your chosen course of study. For example, if you're planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help.

If your GPA is less than 3.95 and higher than 3.65, you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.55 GPA to secure admission at Vanderbilt University. Below this, your chances of admission will be very slim.

Can I Get Into Vanderbilt University Without SAT Or ACT?

Vanderbilt University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, test scores are considered in admission decisions. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit your best scores. Normally, students may take the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Plan early and appear in upcoming SAT/ACT tests. Check the test schedule and plan accordingly. It is advisable to take the test multiple times unless you score well above the average SAT/ACT scores of admitted students, as shown below.

Vanderbilt University SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.

Vanderbilt University Average SAT Score: 1534
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Vanderbilt University is a 1534 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1534 on SAT.
If your score is lower than 1480, you may appear again to improve your score to have better chances of admission at Vanderbilt University. It is not unusual to take the SAT multiple times to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have taken the test multiple times, but not more than 5 times.

SAT 25th Percentile: 1480
SAT 75th Percentile: 1570

It means that if you have scored less than 1480, then you are below most of the admitted students at Vanderbilt University and your chances of admission are slim. But if you have scored 1570 or more, then your chances of admission are higher. The 25th percentile means that only 25% of admitted students have a score lower than this. The 75th percentile marks the score of the top 25% of students.

View list of all colleges with an average SAT score of 1550

Can I get into Vanderbilt University with a 1550 SAT?

With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Vanderbilt University are good, but the admission staff at Vanderbilt University considers your overall personality and academic performance. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. If you did not perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas. Improving in other areas will help you secure admission. A high GPA, taking IB or AP courses, and leadership roles will definitely increase your chances of admission. However, if you perform well in all areas, then your chances of admission are high.

Vanderbilt University ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Vanderbilt University is 35.

This score makes Vanderbilt University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 35 on the ACT.
ACT 25th Percentile: 34
ACT 75th Percentile: 35

View the list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 35.

Can I get into Vanderbilt University with a 35 ACT?

With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Vanderbilt University are good, but the admission staff does not consider your ACT score only. The college admission process assesses your overall personality and academic performance. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT/test scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. If you did not perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas. Improving in other areas will help you secure admission.

SAT vs ACT: Which Score to Send

You can compare your SAT and ACT scores to the average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students at Vanderbilt University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your SAT score is close to the 75th percentile, you should send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you should send your ACT score.

But there’s more: if both of your scores are in the same range, it is better to send the ACT score because, with the ACT, you can control which score to send, unlike the SAT.

Here’s how: When sending an ACT score, you can decide which score you want to send to colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report includes all of your attempts.

View the list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 35.

Vanderbilt University Profile

Name: Vanderbilt University

City: Nashville

URL: www.vanderbilt.edu/

State: Tennessee

Type: Non-Profit Private

Zip: 37240

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Degree from Vanderbilt University Worth It?

Getting into Vanderbilt University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Vanderbilt University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Vanderbilt University is USD: 76279.78 and the unemployment rate is 2.96%.

How Much Does a Degree from Vanderbilt University Cost?

The average annual cost of a degree at Vanderbilt University is USD: 76044. Since most students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants, the average annual net price a student has to pay at Vanderbilt University is much less than this.

How Can I Get a Scholarship?

16.03% of the students receive Pell Grants, and 10.84% receive federal grants. So, it is a wise choice to attend Vanderbilt University and apply for Pell or federal loan grants.

At Vanderbilt University, you should have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA application form as early as possible and list Vanderbilt University as your choice on the form.

How Much Does a Vanderbilt University Graduate Earn?

The average annual salary of a Vanderbilt University graduate 4-6 years after graduation is USD 84415. On average, a Vanderbilt University graduate earns this amount 10 years after enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD 36,834.

Vanderbilt University Degree Programs

Vanderbilt University offers following degree programs.

Bachelor Programs

Full list of All degree programs offered by Vanderbilt University.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard, US Department of Education, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.