Undergraduate Admissions
2305 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203-1727
615-322-2561 | 800-288-0432
admissions@vanderbilt.edu

VU HOME | HOME | FINANCING | FAQ

What’s the difference between institutional and federal aid?

Institutional aid is money awarded by Vanderbilt University. Most institutional aid is in the form of grants and scholarships. Federal aid is money awarded by the government in the form of grants, loans, and work study.

 

1. What does Vanderbilt mean when it says that it will meet “100% of demonstrated need?”
2. How do I apply for financial aid? What forms do I need to complete? Where do I get these forms?
3. The total cost of attendance presents a financial burden for my family. How can I afford Vanderbilt?
4. What’s the difference between institutional and federal aid?
5. Do I qualify for financial aid? What’s the maximum income that my family can have and still qualify?
6. What’s the best way to get the most financial aid?
7. What types of financial aid does Vanderbilt award?
8. What is “work study?”
9. I can’t afford the application fee or matriculation deposit, what do I do?
10. I don’t have the money for the matriculation deposit right now but the deadline is coming up, can I get an extension?
11. What is the average loan indebtedness for Vanderbilt graduates?
12. What are some common misconceptions about financial aid eligibility?
13. My financial aid offer was less than I had expected. How might I request a reconsideration of my financial aid award?
14. I received an outside scholarship, how will that affect my need–based aid package?
15. Will my need–based aid be affected if I apply early decision vs. regular decision?
16. I’m a resident of Tennessee. How does the lottery scholarship work with my need–based aid package?
17. I received an ROTC scholarship, how does that work?