Each year Vanderbilt awards merit-based scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise. These students represent the top 2 percent of all freshman applicants to Vanderbilt, and with the limited number of merit scholarships available, the selection process is very competitive.
All merit-based scholarships offered at Vanderbilt are renewable through four years of undergraduate study as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance. Each of the four undergraduate schools awards a number of scholarships proportionate to the school's enrollment. Financial need is not a factor unless otherwise indicated.
On this site you will find information on Vanderbilt's three signature scholarship programs:
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars – students who combine outstanding academic achievement with strong leadership and contributions outside the classroom.
Chancellor's Scholars – students with outstanding high school records who have worked to build strong high school communities by bridging gaps among economically, socially, and racially diverse groups and who have demonstrated significant interest in issues of diversity education, tolerance, and social justice.
Ingram Scholars – students with outstanding high school records who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community service.
The approximately 300 recipients of these scholarships in one of our three signature scholarship programs are guaranteed full-tuition awards plus summer stipends for study abroad, research or service projects.
