Vanderbilt University Admission
Acceptance Rate
5.86%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
61.23%
Freshmen Enrollment
1,630
SAT Scores
1,540
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 45,409 students have applied and 2,662 students have allowed to admit to Vanderbilt University (Acceptance rate: 5.86%). Vanderbilt's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 61.23 % where 1,630 students have finally enrolled out of 2,662 admitted students.
Vanderbilt acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Tennessee. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as Duke University and Brown University, its acceptance rate is lower (difficult to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 8.08%).
Vanderbilt enrollment rate (yield) is higher (more admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Tennessee. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is lower (admitted, but not enrolled) (average yield is 55.68%).
How to Apply to Vanderbilt University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.vanderbilt.edu/Admissions/ |
|---|---|
| Online Application | admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/ |
| Financial Aid | www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/ |
| Net Price Calculator | https://www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/net-price-calculator.php |
| Veterans Tuition | registrar.vanderbilt.edu/va-benefits/veterans-educational-benefits/ |
| Athletic | https://vucommodores.com/ |
| Disability Service | https://www.vanderbilt.edu/eoa/disability_services/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Vanderbilt and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Vanderbilt University is 1,540 and the average ACT score is 35. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Vanderbilt University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,533). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 1,540 | 35 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,533 | 34 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Tennessee | 1,121 | 68 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Vanderbilt University, 447 students submitted SAT scores (27% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,540 and it is extremely competitive scores than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Tennessee. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 730 | 750 | 770 |
| Mathematics | 770 | 790 | 800 |
| Total | 1,500 | 1,540 | 1,570 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Vanderbilt University, 401 students submitted ACT scores (25% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 35 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Tennessee. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| Mathematics | 32 | 34 | 35 |
Vanderbilt Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Vanderbilt University. The school requires 6 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
3 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school rank, Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |