Vanderbilt University

Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt has a long history of academic excellence, a strong tradition of community, a dedication to research, and a commitment to diversity. The University’s progressive financial aid policies assure that it is often cited as one of the country’s best values among national universities. Vanderbilt students engage in interdisciplinary academic pursuits that produce life-changing moments, intricate questions with complex solutions, and remarkable opportunities to make a difference. Known both for excellent academic programs and an outstanding quality of student life, Vanderbilt is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the country by U.S.News & World Report. Vanderbilt’s four undergraduate schools (College of Arts and Science, Blair School of Music, School of Engineering, and Peabody College of Education and Human Development) offer a distinct yet close-knit environment, allowing students countless opportunities to pursue their academic passions, including new avenues for growth via undergraduate research. Vanderbilt students take full advantage of student life by immersing themselves in 510+ student organizations, a full range of study abroad programs, Division I Athletics, and a variety of internship opportunities. Vanderbilt students and faculty believe that great ideas require more than one school of thought. One of Vanderbilt’s hallmarks is an impressive repertoire of interdisciplinary major programs, including Medicine, Health, and Society, and Human and Organizational Development. Roughly 40% of undergraduate students pursue double majors within and across all four undergraduate colleges. Pre-med students study Spanish, engineers study violin, math majors study philosophy, and chemistry majors study history of art. This innovative approach to education transcends singular subject matter and fosters higher-level critical-thinking skills. Seminar and service learning classes are also unique options for students across all four schools. Our 8:1 student-faculty ratio gives each student access to faculty members of prominence in every area of academic study. Full-time faculty members share their perspectives as instructors and advisors united by one goal: providing a challenging, comprehensive education that encourages broad perspectives and critical thinking. Vanderbilt makes three important commitments that reflect a dedication to making a premier undergraduate education affordable: family financial situations are not taken into consideration when determining admission, aid packages meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, and financial aid awards include grant assistance and a reasonable work expectation; loans are not included. Known as Opportunity Vanderbilt, these three commitments combined place Vanderbilt among a small number of universities to adopt such progressive policies. Using a holistic application review process and with these financial aid programs, Vanderbilt admits talented students from diverse backgrounds who challenge each other both inside and outside the classroom and who together form a community of scholars. Life at Vanderbilt includes rigorous academics combined with a noticeable sense of balance and respect. Vanderbilt is committed to fostering inquiry, dialogue, and a greater appreciation of the racial, cultural, geographic, and political perspectives that make up the Vanderbilt mosaic. Whether organizing a “Schools for Schools” event with Invisible Children, indulging in an Indian food dinner and dance celebration at the annual “Diwali” festival, or interning at one of Nashville’s 200+ recording studios, Vanderbilt students are deeply engaged in activities and opportunities, both on campus and in the surrounding community. With 16 total men’s and women’s Division I athletic teams, Vanderbilt is the smallest and the only private school in the legendary Southeastern Conference. Your first year at Vanderbilt will be a chance to experience life at The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons. This freshman living/learning community, based on the Oxford- Cambridge model, consists of 10 residence halls, or “houses,” surrounding a main dining and student center. Faculty, including the Dean of The Ingram Commons and his family, live at The Ingram Commons, facilitating easy and meaningful interactions between students and professors. Frequent educational and social programming at The Ingram Commons invites students and faculty to explore current events and social issues. Vanderbilt is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, home to a diverse population of 1.6 million and marked by its unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and small-town charm. A thriving center of music, publishing, health care, and technology, Nashville is consistently ranked as one of America’s friendliest cities and was honored by The New York Times as “America’s Next It City” in 2013. Vanderbilt attracts students from across the country and around the world and sits on a 330-acre campus designated a national arboretum. An active campus life, stellar academics, and urban setting work to maintain a high retention rate, as 97% of firstyear students return for sophomore year. Vanderbilt offers students unique and meaningful opportunities within the structure of a highly selective institution to discover who they are, who they may become, and how they might contribute to their communities in the future.