Vanderbilt University: A Thriving Student Community

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, with a student population of over 13,000. The university, founded in 1873, is named after shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, who provided a $1 million endowment to establish an institution that would contribute to strengthening the ties that should exist between all sections of our common country.

Undergraduate vs. graduate student population

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, with a student population of over 13,000. The university has a strong focus on undergraduate education, with around 7,000 undergraduate students and over 6,000 graduate and professional students as of 2021.

The undergraduate experience at Vanderbilt is immersive and residential, with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education, and human development. The university encourages students to study across disciplines and explore their passions. Vanderbilt offers over 70 majors and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing students with greater access to faculty.

The graduate programs at Vanderbilt are also highly regarded and include top-ranked schools such as the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, the Owen Graduate School of Management, the School of Engineering, the Law School, the School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing.

The university's undergraduate programs are highly selective, with a low acceptance rate of around 6%. Vanderbilt's undergraduate enrollment includes a diverse range of students, with a significant percentage of international students and students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.

In summary, Vanderbilt University has a larger population of undergraduate students compared to graduate and professional students, with a strong focus on providing a well-rounded and immersive educational experience for its undergraduate population. The university's graduate programs are also highly regarded and contribute to its reputation as a top-tier research institution.

Racial and ethnic diversity

Vanderbilt University has approximately 13,500 students enrolled, including 7,000+ undergraduates. The university has a below-average racial-ethnic diversity, with the majority of students being white. However, 45% of students are from minority racial-ethnic backgrounds, which is considered a high percentage of racial diversity.

In terms of specific racial-ethnic breakdowns, the numbers vary between sources. One source reports that in 2022, 48.6% of enrolled students were white, 12.4% were Asian, 9.33% were Hispanic or Latino, 9.26% were Black or African American, 4.69% had two or more races, 0.321% were American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.204% were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Additionally, 377 students (2.75%) did not report their race.

Another source provides data for Fall 2024, reporting that 45.4% of undergraduates were racial-ethnic minorities, including 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native, 18.8% Asian American or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 9.2% Black/African American, 11.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.7% multiracial (non-Hispanic). International students comprised 11.2% of the undergraduate population, representing 85 countries and 97 citizenships.

Vanderbilt University is committed to fostering a diverse and dynamic student community. The university offers various opportunities for students to connect and engage in cultural activities, including over 450 student organizations. The campus also has several identity centres and cultural resources, such as the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life, the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center, and the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life.

International student population

Vanderbilt University is a diverse and dynamic community with a total of 1,396 international students on campus, comprising approximately 10% of the student body. The number of international students at Vanderbilt has been increasing over the years, with an average growth rate of 6.1%. The university's international student population represents over 43 countries, with China, India, and South Korea being the top three countries with the largest on-campus communities.

International students at Vanderbilt have the opportunity to choose from over 70 majors and join more than 475 student organizations. The university fosters an innovative living and learning environment, encouraging students to explore their passions and engage in academic research. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students can easily connect with world-renowned faculty and build lasting connections.

Vanderbilt is committed to providing financial support to international students. In the fall of 2022, the university offered need-based aid and/or merit scholarships to 79 international students from 41 countries. The range of awards offered was $32,547–$91,096 per year for four years. Vanderbilt's application process for international students is need-aware, and the university works to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

The university's international student population benefits from a diverse and inclusive campus culture. Vanderbilt is home to various campus identity centers and cultural resources, including the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, the Office of LGBTQI Life, the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center, and the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life.

With its strong international presence, Vanderbilt University offers a global perspective to its students and fosters a collaborative and enriching educational experience.

Student-to-faculty ratio

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 or 8:1. The university comprises ten schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Science, the Blair School of Music, the School of Engineering, and the Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt University is an important aspect of the educational experience, as it indicates the level of interaction and support that students can expect from their instructors. With a ratio of 7:1 or 8:1, the university provides a more intimate and personalised learning environment for its students. This means that on average, there are seven or eight students for every one faculty member, allowing for smaller class sizes and more individualised attention.

The low student-to-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt University fosters a collaborative and engaging learning environment. It enables students to develop close working relationships with their professors and facilitates active participation in class discussions. This ratio also encourages faculty members to be more accessible and supportive, providing opportunities for mentorship and academic guidance.

In addition to the overall student-to-faculty ratio, it is worth noting that Vanderbilt University offers a wide range of courses and programmes. The university provides over 70 majors across various disciplines, allowing students to explore diverse areas of interest. The low student-to-faculty ratio, combined with the breadth of academic offerings, enhances the quality of education and ensures that students receive a well-rounded and personalised learning experience.

Furthermore, the student-to-faculty ratio contributes to the sense of community and engagement within the university. With a lower ratio, students are more likely to feel connected to their professors and peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. This sense of community extends beyond the classroom, as Vanderbilt University also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, student organisations, and research opportunities that further enrich the student experience.

Overall, the student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 or 8:1 at Vanderbilt University reflects the university's commitment to providing a high-quality, personalised education. This ratio enables students to engage closely with their instructors, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. With a low student-to-faculty ratio and a diverse range of academic offerings, Vanderbilt University offers a unique and enriching educational experience for its students.

Student financial aid

Vanderbilt University is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing its world-class education. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides students and parents with information and assistance in their search for, application for, and processing of financial assistance (federal, state, and institutional) available at Vanderbilt.

Opportunity Vanderbilt

Opportunity Vanderbilt is a need-blind admissions process for US citizens and eligible non-citizens. The university meets 100% of a family's demonstrated financial need without loans and provides full-tuition scholarships to households with incomes of $150,000 or less. Many households with incomes above $150,000 still receive an Opportunity Vanderbilt Award.

Grants, Scholarships, and Federal Work-Study

Grants, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study employment opportunities are available for eligible students. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides information on both need-based and merit-based assistance.

Student Employment

Vanderbilt Student Employment connects students with on- and off-campus employers to help them find flexible jobs that offset the cost of attendance and gain career experience.

Experience Vanderbilt

Experience Vanderbilt is a student-led initiative that provides undergraduate students who qualify for need-based financial aid with funding for extracurricular activities that have fees. These include student organizations, club sports, arts, cultural experiences, service trips, outdoor recreation trips, and Greek Life.

Veterans Educational Benefits and Yellow Ribbon Program

Vanderbilt University also offers veterans' educational benefits and participates in the Undergraduate Yellow Ribbon Program.

Frequently asked questions