Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · private nonprofit
Official site ↗Admissions
| Admit rate | 5.9% |
| Applicants | 45,409 |
| Middle-50% SAT | 1510–1560 |
| Middle-50% ACT | 34–35 |
| Avg GPA | 3.89 |
| Test policy | — |
| Avg net price / yr | $19,040 |
| Grad rate | 93% |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $91,565 |
| Source | cds · 2024 |
Application requirements
| Early Decision | 2025-11-01 |
| Early Decision II | 2026-01-01 |
| Regular / Rolling | 2026-01-01 |
| Application fee | $50 (US) · $50 (intl) |
| Personal essay | Required |
| Test policy | never required |
| Teacher recommendations | 2 |
| Counselor recommendation | Required |
| Mid-year report | Required |
Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.
Supplemental essays
~250 words each.
- Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.
Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).