New Expanded Aid Program

Dear Prospective Student,

Vanderbilt University's multi-year initiative of progressively reducing education-related undergraduate student debt has reached a bold new level. Beginning in the fall of 2009, financial aid packages for incoming and current undergraduate students include no need-based loans. The amount of need-based loans you would have been offered in the past to meet your demonstrated financial need is now replaced with increased amounts of Vanderbilt scholarship and/or grant assistance.

Why has Vanderbilt implemented this? We believe that when barriers to a Vanderbilt education can be reduced or eliminated, every student benefits from a learning community that includes talented, qualified individuals from all backgrounds. We pledge ourselves to the following commitments:

First: Since talent and promise recognize no social, cultural, economic, or geographic boundaries, our admissions process is entirely need-blind.
Second: Vanderbilt will meet 100% of a family's demonstrated financial need for all admitted U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
Third: Financial aid packages for undergraduate students now include no need-based loans.

I encourage you to learn more about this exciting new step Vanderbilt has taken, and to consider joining our diverse community of scholars and leaders.

Go 'Dores!