Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University Financial Aid

Students who are applying for financial aid at Vanderbilt need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.

The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.

The FAFSA code for Vanderbilt is 003535 and the CSS Profile Code is 1871.

It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.

If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:

• How to Complete the FAFSA
• How to Complete the CSS Profile

Vanderbilt University QuestBridge Scholarships

Vanderbilt is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Vanderbilt University through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.

Vanderbilt University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee

Vanderbilt has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.

No Loan Policy at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Vanderbilt's website for details on their No-Loan policy.

National Merit Scholarships

If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Vanderbilt University? Vanderbilt offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Vanderbilt's website for more information!

Pell Grants at Vanderbilt University

19% of students at Vanderbilt University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Vanderbilt University.

You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

Outside Scholarships

Vanderbilt students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for college students
• Scholarship database

1518 is the median SAT score and 35 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Vanderbilt. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

Coalition Colleges

Vanderbilt is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Vanderbilt via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.

Does Vanderbilt have a supplemental essay?

Yes, applicants to Vanderbilt University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.

Is Vanderbilt test-optional?

Vanderbilt University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Vanderbilt University?

Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Vanderbilt University receive between a 34 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1470 and a 1570 on their SAT.

What is the application deadline at Vanderbilt?

Students must apply by January 1 to enroll at Vanderbilt during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.

At Vanderbilt students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.

You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 1.

Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Vanderbilt?

Applying to Vanderbilt with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.

Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision

Is Vanderbilt University need-blind?

Yes, Vanderbilt University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.

What is the graduation rate at Vanderbilt University?

93% of students who start at Vanderbilt University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 35% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

How much do graduates of Vanderbilt University go on to earn?

10 years after starting school at Vanderbilt University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $91,565. This is $41,174 more than the national median.

Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

How much do students at Vanderbilt take out in loans?

Graduates of Vanderbilt have to take out a median of $14,000 in federal student loans. This is $500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.