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

The following financial aid options are based upon varying degrees of demonstrated need. For more information, including access to appropriate forms and paperwork, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid Web site.

  • Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
    This program began in the 2006–07 award year for full–time, first– and second–year undergraduate students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and are U.S. citizens. Students must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study and must achieve at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA following the first academic year to remain eligible for the second academic year.

  • Federal National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant)
    This new grant program is for full–time, third– and fourth–year undergraduate students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and are U.S. citizens. Students must be pursuing a major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  • Federal Pell Grant
    These grants are reserved for undergraduate families with low incomes. The award amount ranges from $400 to $4,310 per year.

  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
    Reserved for undergraduates with exceptional need. The award amount ranges from $200 to $2,500 per year.

  • Tennessee Student Assistance Award
    The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) determines eligibility for this program annually. Awards for undergraduates ranged from $2,322 to $4,644 in 2006–07. Deadline is March 1.

  • University Need–Based Grant
    Grant assistance is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first baccalaureate degree on the basis of financial need and academic performance. Amounts vary based upon need.

  • Federal Stafford Loan
    This fixed–rate loan for students enrolled at least half time delays repayment until six months after college, graduate study, or military service.

  • Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
    This fixed–rate, non–need based loan is for independent students or dependent students whose parents have been denied a Federal PLUS Loan and who are enrolled at least half time. Repayment starts six months after college, graduate study, or military service.

  • Federal Perkins Loan
    These low–interest loans for students enrolled at least half time offer $500 to $4,000 per year to a maximum of $20,000 for undergraduates. Repayment begins nine months after college, graduate study, or military service.

  • Federal Parent (PLUS) Loans
    Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available from banks and other commercial lenders and based upon the creditworthiness of the parent applicant. The applicant may borrow up to the annual cost of attending Vanderbilt minus any other aid for which the student is eligible.

  • Private Alternative Loans
    A number of major lending organizations offer loan programs to qualified borrowers. We recommend you examine all other options, including the federal student loans listed above, before pursuing private loan options.

  • Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program (TELS)
    Undergraduate students who are Tennessee residents are required to complete the FAFSA each year to qualify for the TELS programs. Additional eligibility requirements are determined through the program rules.
  • Restricted Scholarships
    More than 100 need–based programs—some specifically for minority students, students with specific majors, extracurricular achievements, or career goals; residents of particular states; veterans or their descendants; those who meet other criteria—offer varying amounts up to full tuition. Eligible students are matched with appropriate scholarship funds by the staff of the Office of Student Financial Aid.