Also known as: Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its highly selective undergraduate admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Vanderbilt reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 5.1%, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive universities in the United States. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with over 45,000 students applying for a limited number of spots, as well as the university's increasing national and international reputation. Vanderbilt publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing detailed insights into its admissions trends.
Over the past decade, Vanderbilt's acceptance rates have trended downward, indicative of increasing competitiveness as more students apply each year. The Early Decision program continues to play a significant role, with a notably higher acceptance rate compared to Regular Decision, encouraging applicants to commit early. International admissions remain highly selective, aligning with trends at peer institutions like Duke University and Northwestern University, which also report single-digit acceptance rates. Vanderbilt's selectivity places it among the top tier of U.S. universities, often compared to Ivy League schools, though it maintains a unique focus on balancing academic rigor with a collaborative campus culture. For the most current data, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Vanderbilt admissions website at admissions.vanderbilt.edu.