Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States • Founded 1873 • World Rank #233
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
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
Vanderbilt University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Vanderbilt University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
Vanderbilt University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
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
Vanderbilt University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
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
Showing 10 of 53.
Master's Degree 74 programmes
Showing 10 of 74.
Doctorate 45 programmes
Showing 10 of 45.
Professional Doctorate 7 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
How to apply to Vanderbilt University
A short guide to applying to Vanderbilt University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Vanderbilt University, drawn directly from institutional records.
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 10,000-14,999 students.
What is Vanderbilt University's ranking?
It ranks #233 globally and #58 in United States.
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)
Sabbatical exchange agreements among Association of American Universities (AAU) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Vanderbilt University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Biological Sciences
If Vanderbilt University is on your shortlist for studying Biological Sciences, these peer institutions in the United States offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Compared with Vanderbilt University
Looking at Vanderbilt University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Vanderbilt University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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