A straight answer: 5.9% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 6 actually get in. No guessing. Vanderbilt University is a UNIV institution located in Nashville, TN — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Vanderbilt University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Putting the Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate into Perspective
Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Vanderbilt University offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.
An acceptance rate of 5.9% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.
Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Vanderbilt University, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.
Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.
Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool
For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Vanderbilt University is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.
When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Vanderbilt University
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Vanderbilt University based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherHow Students Should Use Admissions Information Going Forward
After reviewing admissions data, many students feel pressure to draw firm conclusions. But college admissions rarely reward certainty — they reward preparation and thoughtful decision-making.
Admissions outcomes are influenced by shifting factors: applicant interest, program capacity, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel approachable to one student and competitive to another.
Turning Research into Strategy
The best applicants use admissions information to shape their approach, not limit their options. They ask where they are competitive, where they may need stronger positioning, and how each school fits into their overall goals.
If Vanderbilt University aligns with your academic direction and expectations, then admissions data should help you plan — not second-guess yourself. Strategy, not speculation, leads to better outcomes.
Should You Apply to Vanderbilt University?
If 5.9% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Vanderbilt University
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate
What is Vanderbilt's acceptance rate and how selective is admissions?
Vanderbilt University has an extremely selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of 6.28%. This high level of selectivity ensures that admitted students are among the most academically accomplished.
What are the main undergraduate schools and majors available at Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt comprises four undergraduate schools offering over 70 majors. Students do not need to declare their major until the end of their sophomore year, allowing for exploration before finalizing their academic paths.
How much does Vanderbilt cost and what financial aid is available?
Cost details are not specified, but Vanderbilt offers the Opportunity Vanderbilt program, which replaces loans with grants and scholarships to help alleviate financial burdens for students.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio and advising structure at Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt maintains a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 to 8:1, promoting strong advising across its undergraduate schools, which enhances students' learning experiences and personal growth.
Where is Vanderbilt located and what is the campus like?
Vanderbilt University is situated on a 330-acre urban campus just 1.5 miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, combining a vibrant city atmosphere with a focused academic environment.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Vanderbilt University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success