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Vanderbilt University

Nashville, United States • Founded 1873 • QS 2027 #265

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: vanderbilt.edu

Overview

Founded: 1873
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #265 Times Higher Education 2026 #92 = ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #66 CWTS Leiden 2025 #154 SCImago 2026 #233
Colours: Black and gold
Mascot: Mr. Commodore
Vanderbilt University campus and surroundings
1 / 6

Established in 1873, the Vanderbilt University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nashville (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Tennessee.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Vanderbilt University is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Vanderbilt University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 151-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Vanderbilt University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Vanderbilt University are listed below.

Address: 2101 West End Avenue
Postal Code: 37240
Phone: +1 (615) 322 7311
Fax: +1 (615) 343 7765
Social Media:

Academic Details

The numbers behind Vanderbilt University: student body, academic staff, and recognising bodies.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 7,208
Academic Staff Range: 3,000-3,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of American Universities (AAU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Vanderbilt University delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 10 items
  • Blair School of Music
  • College of Arts and Science
  • Divinity School
  • Graduate School
  • Law School
  • Owen Graduate School of Management
  • Peabody College of Education and Human Development
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing

Programs Offered

Browse Vanderbilt University's programmes by level, or filter by name.

181 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 53 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
Interior Design
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor's Degree in Classical and Ancient Studies
Liberal Arts

Showing 10 of 53.

Master's Degree 74 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Master's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Molecular Biology

Showing 10 of 74.

Doctorate 45 programmes

Doctorate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Doctorate in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy
Doctorate in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Doctorate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Doctorate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Doctorate in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Molecular Biology
Doctorate in Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Doctorate in Chemistry
Chemistry

Showing 10 of 45.

Professional Doctorate 7 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Professional Doctorate in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Professional Doctorate in Law
Law
Professional Doctorate in Medicine
Medicine
Professional Doctorate in Public Health
Public Health
Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Professional Doctorate in Theological and Ministerial Studies
Religious Studies

Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

How to apply to Vanderbilt University

What applying to Vanderbilt University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Vanderbilt University offers 181 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Vanderbilt University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Vanderbilt University's online portal at www.vanderbilt.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (615) 322 7311. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vanderbilt University

Frequently asked questions about Vanderbilt University.

In what year was Vanderbilt University established?

Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873 (approximately 153 years ago).

What city is Vanderbilt University in?

Vanderbilt University operates from Nashville, United States.

Is Vanderbilt University a public or private institution?

Vanderbilt University operates as a private institution.

How big is Vanderbilt University's student body?

Vanderbilt University serves approximately 7,208 students.

What is Vanderbilt University's ranking?

It ranks QS 2027 #265.

How many faculties does Vanderbilt University have?

Vanderbilt University has 10 academic units.

Is Vanderbilt University officially recognised?

Yes, Vanderbilt University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is Vanderbilt University's official website?

You can find Vanderbilt University online at www.vanderbilt.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

These are the most highly ranked universities in the United States. Putting Vanderbilt University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.

Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)

Vanderbilt University and the universities below are both members of Association of American Universities (AAU).

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Vanderbilt University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Biological Sciences

Below: other the United States universities that offer Biological Sciences programmes.

Universities Compared with Vanderbilt University

The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Vanderbilt University.

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