Vanderbilt University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Full-tuition and full-ride merit scholarships
- Need-based aid through Opportunity Vanderbilt
- Honors and leadership programs tied to scholarships
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~5.9%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1500 – 1560
- Middle 50% ACT: 34 – 35
- Average HS GPA: 3.9–4.0 (unweighted)
Source: Vanderbilt Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Vanderbilt at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Vanderbilt University blends Ivy-level selectivity with a rare mix of need-based and merit aid. Through Opportunity Vanderbilt, the school meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. On top of that, a small group of students earn full-tuition or full-ride scholarships through the Cornelius Vanderbilt, Chancellor’s, and Ingram Scholars programs.
Use this guide to learn about Vanderbilt’s scholarship deadlines, merit competition process, and how families can combine institutional and state aid for the best net price possible.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Vanderbilt’s test-optional policy is extended through fall 2027. Superscoring is allowed for applicants who submit scores.
Does Vanderbilt offer automatic merit? No. Vanderbilt’s signature scholarships require a separate application (preference given to applicants) by the published deadline.
What’s the average net price? About $19,040 after scholarships and grants (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest year available).
Opportunity Vanderbilt (meets 100% need, no loans) — https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/affordability/opportunity-vanderbilt/
Testing policy (test-optional through 2027) — https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/testing-policies/
Dates & deadlines (ED/ED2/RD; merit deadline Dec 1) — https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/
Merit Scholarship overview — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship (full tuition + stipend) — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/signature/
Chancellor’s Scholarship (full tuition + stipend) — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/chancellor/
Ingram Scholars (full tuition, required fees, housing + stipend) — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/ingram.php
Common Data Set — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dsa/common-data-set/
College Scorecard (average net price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?221999-Vanderbilt-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Vanderbilt University
| Expense | Cost (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $71,226 |
| Housing & Meals | $23,048 |
| Total (before aid) | $94,274 |
Note: Books & supplies (~$1,100), personal expenses (~$2,000), and transportation (varies) are not paid directly to Vanderbilt and therefore are not included in the table above. These indirect costs are used for budgeting and financial-aid eligibility and will vary by student.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for Opportunity Vanderbilt?
All U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are considered automatically once the FAFSA and CSS Profile are filed.
How much can families expect?
Awards are tailored to demonstrated need. Families earning under $150,000 with typical assets often receive a package that covers tuition in full.
Do I have to apply separately?
No—just complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by Vanderbilt’s financial aid deadlines.
University COA page — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/undergraduate-costs/
Tuition & Fees 2025–2026 — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/studentaccounts/tuition-fees/undergraduate/
Opportunity Vanderbilt — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/opportunity-vanderbilt/
CSS Profile Requirement — https://www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/how-to-apply/
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://ir.vanderbilt.edu/reports/common-data-set/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?221999-Vanderbilt-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Vanderbilt does not publish automatic, admission-based merit grids. Institutional merit is limited and highly competitive via separate applications (see the next section).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | Vanderbilt has no automatic (admission-based) merit tiers | — | — | See competitive programs below | — |
Note: Vanderbilt does award a limited number of additional (non-automatic) merit awards starting around $8,000/year; candidates are identified by the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships after the Dec 1 scholarship application window.
Also consider:
- National Merit: Vanderbilt guarantees up to $6,000/year in total National Merit scholarship dollars for Finalists who designate Vanderbilt as first choice. Vanderbilt supplements corporate/NMSC awards if necessary.
- QuestBridge National College Match: Vanderbilt is a College Partner; Finalists may be considered for a full four-year scholarship through the Match process.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Does Vanderbilt superscore?
Yes. If you submit scores, Vanderbilt considers the highest ACT superscore or highest SAT superscore (including mixing paper/digital SAT section highs). Test scores are optional for current cycles.
Is there anything I can do to be considered for non-automatic merit?
Yes—submit the Vanderbilt merit scholarship application(s) in your MyAppVU portal by Dec 1 to be considered for signature and additional merit.
Can merit stack with need-based aid?
If your demonstrated need exceeds your merit award, Vanderbilt will add need-based grant aid. To access need-based aid, file the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. For help, see our CSS Profile guide.
admissions.vanderbilt.edu/merit-scholarships/
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/merit-scholarships.php
vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/national-merit/
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/questbridge/
blair.vanderbilt.edu/admissions/scholarships.php
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Vanderbilt’s signature merit awards are some of the most generous in the nation, but they are highly selective. Students must complete a separate scholarship application in their MyAppVU portal by December 1. Recipients are chosen not just for top academics, but also for leadership, service, and unique contributions to campus life.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship | Full tuition + one-time summer stipend | All admitted first-years; outstanding academics, leadership, and extracurricular achievement | Yes — MyAppVU, Dec 1 deadline | Yes — 3.0 GPA required | Top students with high GPAs, leadership, and outside classroom impact | Dec 1 |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Full tuition + one-time summer stipend | All admitted first-years; academic achievement and major contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion | Yes — MyAppVU, Dec 1 deadline | Yes — 3.0 GPA required | Students with leadership and achievement in building inclusive communities | Dec 1 |
| Ingram Scholars Program | Full tuition, fees, housing + summer service stipend | All admitted first-years; exceptional civic-minded service and entrepreneurial leadership | Yes — MyAppVU, Dec 1 deadline; interview for finalists | Yes — 3.0 GPA + continued service | Leaders with deep service backgrounds and strong service project proposals | Dec 1 |
*GPA/test profiles and eligibility are based on Vanderbilt-published descriptions and past recipient data; the university does not publish official cutoffs.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Are these awards automatic?
No. You must submit a separate scholarship application in your MyAppVU portal by December 1 to be considered.
How many students are selected?
Vanderbilt does not publicly release exact numbers, but awards go to a small percentage of the entering class each year.
Can competitive scholarships be combined with need-based aid?
Yes. If your demonstrated need exceeds the merit award, Vanderbilt will provide additional need-based grant aid.
Do I need test scores?
No. Vanderbilt is test-optional. If you submit scores, they superscore ACT and SAT, but the selection is holistic and emphasizes leadership and essays as well as grades.
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/merit-scholarships.php
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/ingram/
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/chancellors/
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/cornelius-vanderbilt/
🎖️ Honors College
Vanderbilt does not have a single, centralized Honors College. Instead, honors are earned either through departmental programs in the major or select college-wide programs, most notably in Peabody College. Signature merit scholarships—including the Cornelius Vanderbilt, Chancellor’s, and Ingram programs—fill the closest role to a university-level honors program.
| Program | Benefits | Eligibility | Application | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peabody Scholars Program | Honors seminar, immersive service project, summer stipend for research/service, faculty mentorship | First-year Peabody students with GPA ≥3.6 after fall semester are invited to apply | Yes — application in December/January of first year | Yes — maintain GPA ≥3.0 each semester; 3.4 cumulative for honors at graduation | High-achieving Peabody College undergrads with commitment to research or service | Circa Jan 10 (for spring start) |
- College Scholars Program (Arts & Science): Phased out after Fall 2024. No longer open to new admits; current College Scholars can complete the program to graduation.
- Departmental Honors in the Major: Most VU majors offer an honors track requiring a GPA (usually 3.3+), faculty-mentored thesis or capstone, and departmental application (typically in junior year).
- No Honors-specific Scholarships: Vanderbilt does not offer central or departmental scholarships specifically for honors students; research stipends (e.g., VUSRP) and competitive merit scholarships are the alternatives.
Most candidates hold a GPA of 3.3 or higher, pursue advanced coursework, and show initiative in research, service, or leadership within their discipline.
- Faculty mentorship on research or service-learning projects
- Recognition at graduation and on official transcripts
- Access to fellowship/scholarship advising and research funding (not automatically tied to honors)
- Community-building via select programs and events (Peabody Scholars, legacy College Scholars, major merit scholarships)
Honors FAQ
Is there a single Vanderbilt Honors College?
No. Opportunities are decentralized: honors are earned either through department tracks, school-level programs like Peabody Scholars, or competitive merit scholarships.
Are there scholarships just for honors?
No. Departmental honors do not carry central scholarships. Students should apply for research awards (like VUSRP) or competitive merit scholarships.
When do students apply?
Peabody Scholars apply first year; departmental honors tracks open in junior year (major-specific). Competitive merit scholarships require a Dec 1 freshman application.
Does honors add time to graduation?
No. Programs are built to fit a four-year timeline, integrating thesis, capstone, or service within standard coursework.
peabody.vanderbilt.edu/peabody-scholars/
peabody.vanderbilt.edu/funding/
vanderbilthustler.com/college-scholars-honors-program-phased-out/
vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/merit-scholarships.php
as.vanderbilt.edu/honors-programs/
⭐ College Specialty
Vanderbilt is more than just a top-ranked private university — it’s an R1 research powerhouse that blends nationally recognized professional schools with hands-on undergraduate opportunities. Families often know it for its generous financial aid, but Vanderbilt also stands out in education, music, research, and health-related fields that create strong pipelines to graduate study and careers.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development — consistently ranked in the national Top 5 (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). Known for teacher prep, special education, and education policy leadership.
- Blair School of Music: Conservatory-level program with audition-based admission; one of the few top music schools embedded in a major research university.
- Biomedical Research & Medicine: Vanderbilt University Medical Center is nationally recognized for research funding and training; strong undergraduate pathways in pre-med and biomedical sciences.
- Engineering: Vanderbilt School of Engineering is nationally ranked (Top 50, U.S. News 2025), with particular strengths in biomedical, chemical, and civil engineering.
- Undergraduate Research: Over 60% of undergrads participate in faculty research through Immersion Vanderbilt; supported by $1B+ in annual research expenditures.
📎 Official Links
- Vanderbilt University Homepage
- Vanderbilt Honors & Departmental Programs
- Vanderbilt Scholarships
- Vanderbilt Financial Aid