Vanderbilt University Student Population: How Many Commodores?

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, with a student body of over 13,000. The university comprises ten schools and colleges, and offers over 70 majors to its undergraduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1 or 8:1, depending on the source. The university's four undergraduate schools are the College of Arts and Science, the Blair School of Music, the School of Engineering, and the Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

Undergraduate enrollment

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 1873. The university comprises ten schools and colleges, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,152 as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution among undergraduates is 47.7% male and 52.3% female. The university offers over 70 majors and more than 450 student organizations for undergraduates to engage in.

The undergraduate experience at Vanderbilt is centred around its four schools: 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 university fosters an innovative living and learning environment, encouraging students to explore their passions and engage in academic research. Vanderbilt has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, with 58% of undergraduates participating in research.

The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons is a dedicated space for first-year students, offering ten houses led by faculty heads of house, along with dining, seminar, and study rooms. The university also provides six residential colleges for upper-division students, each led by faculty and residential college staff.

The racial and ethnic diversity among undergraduates at Vanderbilt is notable, with 45.4% students of colour as of Fall 2024. International students comprise 11.2% of the undergraduate population, representing 85 countries and 97 citizenships. The university is recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ranking highly among high-ranking universities for its percentage of Black students and as a top private university for Jewish students.

Vanderbilt's undergraduate programs are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 6.1% for the class of 2022. The university meets 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated financial need without loans, offering both need-based and merit-based scholarships.

Graduate enrollment

Vanderbilt's graduate programs are well-regarded, with the university ranked highly in various fields. In the 2024 graduate program rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the Peabody College of Education was ranked as the 5th-best national school of education, while the Vanderbilt University Law School was ranked 19th. The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine was recognised as the 5th best national research-oriented medical school, and the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing was ranked 4th in the nation.

The university's graduate programs offer a diverse range of specialisations. The School of Engineering, ranked 41st nationally, provides opportunities for graduate research and education. The Owen Graduate School of Management, ranked 20th nationally, offers a variety of business and management-focused graduate programs. Additionally, the Divinity School, Graduate School, and Law School enhance the breadth of graduate education at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt's commitment to graduate studies is further demonstrated by its financial aid offerings. The university provides a range of financial aid and awards for graduate and master's students, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing their world-class graduate programs.

Racial and ethnic diversity

Vanderbilt University has approximately 13,537 students enrolled, with 6,983 undergraduate students and 5,326 graduate students. The undergraduate population is made up of 51% women and 49% men, while the graduate student population is 58% women and 42% men. The racial and ethnic diversity of the university is considered below average, with the majority of students being white.

In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court banned the use of race-based affirmative action in university admissions. This had a significant impact on the racial/ethnic diversity of the incoming first-year class at Vanderbilt for 2025. There was a 21% decrease in the proportion of students of colour, with a 47% drop in Black students and a 27% drop in Latinx students from the previous year. The share of white students rose by 14%. As a result, the overall composition of the undergraduate class is now 39% white, 19% Asian or Pacific Islander, 11% Hispanic, 11% international, 9% Black, 6% bi- or multi-racial, 4% unknown race/ethnicity, and less than 1% Native American.

Despite the drop in racial and ethnic diversity, the university has made progress in recruiting students from diverse backgrounds in terms of gender and socioeconomic status. For instance, the School of Engineering has had over 50% women for the third year in a row, and the university has seen an increase in Pell Grant-eligible and first-generation students. Additionally, the university has added a supplemental essay prompt to its undergraduate application, allowing students to elaborate on experiences related to their identity and culture.

International students

Vanderbilt University is a private institution based in Nashville, Tennessee, that was founded in 1873. The university has approximately 7,000 undergraduate students and 13,537 students in total. International students make up 10.3% of the student population.

To be considered an international student at Vanderbilt, you must be a citizen of any nation other than the United States of America. Dual US citizens, US permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and US citizens living abroad are not considered international students. International students who need to apply for a visa should do so through ISSS, and they are required to attend the International Student Orientation program.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency due to the fast-paced and specialized nature of the courses. They can do so by submitting test scores from English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. However, Vanderbilt does not require these test scores if applicants have completed three of their last four educational years in a majority English-speaking curriculum or meet certain SAT/ACT score requirements. While English language proficiency scores are preferred, students without them may submit an English-language portfolio.

Student-to-faculty ratio

Vanderbilt University is a highly selective private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 or 8:1. The university has approximately 7,000 undergraduate students and 6,685 graduate and professional students, for a total of more than 13,000 students. The student-to-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt reflects the university's commitment to providing a collaborative and immersive educational experience.

The 7:1 or 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio means that there are seven or eight students for every faculty member at the university. This ratio is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates that class sizes are relatively small, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty. Secondly, it suggests that students have greater access to resources and support from faculty members. This can be particularly beneficial for research and mentorship opportunities.

Vanderbilt's student-to-faculty ratio also highlights the university's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and a holistic approach to education. The university encourages students to explore different disciplines and engage in academic research across various fields. With over 70 majors and more than 450 student organizations, Vanderbilt provides a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students.

The low student-to-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt contributes to a sense of community and engagement within the university. The university's four undergraduate schools, 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, all benefit from this intimate learning environment.

In conclusion, Vanderbilt University's student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 or 8:1 enhances the educational experience by facilitating close interactions between students and faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering a sense of community within the university. This ratio is a key factor in the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Frequently asked questions