The Vanderbilt Difference

Why Vanderbilt

You can learn about all of our university rankings and accolades throughout this site and by browsing www.vanderbilt.edu, but when asked "why Vanderbilt", current students typically don't mention any of those facts and figures. Instead, they mention how students at Vanderbilt are academically engaged without being competitive, how there are more extracurricular activities to get involved with than one could possibly take advantage of in four years, how Nashville is a terrific place to be, how beautiful campus is, and how they have met amazingly talented students and faculty from all around the world and from a host of interesting backgrounds. Their enthusiasm for Vanderbilt is evidenced by our 97% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year. Be sure to watch our selection of undergraduate admissions videos and listen to students and faculty describe their Vanderbilt experiences.

Academics

Vanderbilt students are engaged and curious learners, taking advantage of typically small classes taught by professors who are leaders in their chosen specialties. Regardless of which of our undergraduate schools you are enrolled in, you will receive a broad-based liberal arts foundation. Our emphasis on communication is apparent since the curriculum requires every student to take at least one writing-intensive course. Students are encouraged to explore their academic passions by taking courses across the four schools, and many students double major or declare a minor. Listen in as Vanderbilt students and faculty describe college academic life on campus.

Affordability

Vanderbilt's excellent financial aid policies mean that Vanderbilt is surprisingly affordable. Not only are we consistently ranked among the top 20 best values by both U.S. News & World Report and The Kiplinger Report, we are one of only a few colleges and universities that consider applications on a need–blind basis, meet 100% of demonstrated need for admitted U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, and include no loans in initial financial aid packages. Although costs vary among institutions, students who receive financial aid often pay no more to attend Vanderbilt than they would to attend a college with a lower total cost.

The First–Year Experience

First-year Vanderbilt students join The Commons, a living and learning residential community designed to promote ongoing interactions between students and faculty and among students themselves. Comprised of 10 residential houses (each including an apartment suite for a faculty head of house and his or her family), the Dean of The Commons house, and The Commons Center, The Commons serves as a hub of activity for first year students. Programming ranges from academic seminars to steel drum lessons, from invitations to share food and political discourse with the Dean to bike rides through scenic Nashville, and helps residents form a cohesive and lasting community.

Student Diversity

Vanderbilt's undergraduates represent every state in the U.S., over thirty countries worldwide, and a myriad of backgrounds and schools of thought. Twenty-five percent of our undergraduates are students of color. Students are actively involved in campus life and take advantage of all that Nashville has to offer. Vanderbilt students compete successfully for the most prestigious scholarships and awards, such as the Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater and Marshall. The concept of balance between academics and activities permeates the undergraduate experience at Vanderbilt.

Service

Culturally and academically, Vanderbilt students, alumni, faculty, and staff form a remarkable community whose efforts reach far beyond our campus borders. Long known for our culture of service, Vanderbilt students are involved in local, regional, national, and student service projects ranging from our recognized Best Buddies program to Alternative Spring Break (founded at Vanderbilt in 1987) to study abroad service opportunities. Alumni often continue this culture of service as evidenced when alumnus Muhammad Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for promoting economic and social development through small loans to entrepreneurs in rural South Asia. The Vanderbilt family is dedicated to giving their best to the world.

Athletics

As a member of the Division I Southeastern Conference, our Commodores are proud to compete at the highest level with sixteen varsity sports teams. Varsity athletic events are free to undergraduates, and our students show their Commodore spirit in support of their favorite teams every week.

Nashville

Visit Nashville to experience the unexpected. Known as one of the country's most livable cities, Nashville's metropolitan area includes over one million people and serves as an international hub of health care, education, publishing, and music. Situated on 330 beautiful acres in the Midtown district of Nashville, the Vanderbilt campus is conveniently located near many of the city's favorite restaurants, music venues, and attractions. Whether you are seeking an urban experience or a more tranquil campus environment, Nashville has much to offer and quickly becomes home for students.

Research

As a comprehensive research university with an interdisciplinary academic approach, Vanderbilt's total research expenditures of over $444 million places us in the top 20 for federal research and development funding among U.S. colleges and universities. Research and teaching join traditionally diverse disciplines through more than 120 centers and institutes that include: the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, the W.M. Keck Free–Electron Laser Center, the Vanderbilt–Ingram Cancer Center, the Financial Markets Research Center, the Intelligent Robotics Lab, and the Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies among others. Students often take advantage of research opportunities working with professors and co-authoring published papers.

Discovery

Vanderbilt's interdisciplinary approach means that learning here is not limited by traditional department distinctions. By removing those boundaries, we encourage the development of a community of scholars. Students have the opportunity to design individualized majors and engage in innovative and forward–looking endeavors at such centers as the Curb Center for Arts, Enterprise, and Public Policy; Center for the Study of Religion and Culture; and Center for Medicine, Health and Society.