Vanderbilt Academic Calendar

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many U.S. institutions. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with a shorter Summer session for optional coursework or intensive programs. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in early January and ends in early May. Vanderbilt also incorporates significant breaks, such as a winter holiday period and a spring break, aligning with national holidays and providing students with time for rest or research. This structure supports a balance between rigorous academics and personal downtime, catering to a diverse student body.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on typical schedules). Classes begin for all students, marking the official start of the academic year.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. University offices are closed, and no classes are held.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). A week-long break for students to celebrate the holiday.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated). Final exams conclude the semester.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 5, 2026 (estimated). Extended holiday break for students and faculty.
• Spring Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated). A mid-semester break for relaxation or travel.
• Commencement: May 8, 2026 (estimated). Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Binding decision with notification by mid-December 2025.
• Early Decision II Deadline: January 1, 2026 (estimated). Another binding option with notification by mid-February 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 1, 2026 (estimated). Non-binding application with notification by late March or early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Deadline: February 1, 2026 (estimated). Submission of FAFSA and CSS Profile for need-based aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment for the Class of 2030.

Vanderbilt’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for U.S. universities, particularly in the southeastern region, with semesters mirroring those of peer institutions. Breaks such as Thanksgiving and Spring Break are scheduled to coincide with widely recognized holidays, ensuring accessibility for both domestic and international students. The university’s calendar offers some flexibility, with summer sessions providing opportunities for accelerated learning or catching up on credits. Additionally, the admissions timeline is structured to accommodate international applicants, with early decision options allowing for advanced planning regarding visas and travel. Vanderbilt’s scheduling reflects a commitment to balancing academic intensity with necessary downtime, though exact dates for the 2025–2026 year may vary and should be confirmed closer to the period.