The new Guide to Graduate Programs sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund gives the Vanderbilt English Ph.D. program high marks.  This web site takes an innovative approach to evaluating Ph.D. programs by allowing users to specify what they are looking for in a graduate school.  To help prospective users, they provide four examples of Sample Priorities.  No matter which of these priorities one selects, the Vanderbilt English department does well. 

For students who are looking for “Small Prestigious Programs,” the Vanderbilt English department is ranked #1 in the nation.  When students use other priorities, the Vanderbilt English department still fares well.  For example, the Vanderbilt program is #2 in the nation for students who are looking for a “Small Less Expensive Programs” and #17 for those who prefer a large but prestigious program.

The rankings may be found at:  http://graduate-school.phds.org/