Vanderbilt University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Because Vanderbilt requires testing, the question is not whether to send a score, but how close you can get to its admitted-student range. Aim for a 1510–1560 SAT or 34–35 ACT, with the upper end giving you the strongest academic footing alongside a high GPA.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Vanderbilt University facts and stats
Vanderbilt University enrolls 7,221 undergraduates in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt’s freshman retention rate is 96%, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 94%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1. Vanderbilt has a test-required admissions policy.
Nashville, TN
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Key Vanderbilt University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
January 1
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and additional retakes for superscore gains. For Vanderbilt’s November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is the last fall retake to target so scores arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Vanderbilt’s tuition and fees are $67,498. About 52% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $29,973. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Vanderbilt’s listed total cost of attendance is about $89,552, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 52% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $78,832. Merit awards are also significant for students who qualify, averaging $29,973. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $27,795.
Student life at Vanderbilt University
84% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 24% of men join fraternities, and 28% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American Baptist College
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 100%
Aquinas College, Tennessee
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 51.9%
ACT: 21–26
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
Belmont University
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 95.3%
SAT: 1160–1350
ACT: 24–30
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