Vanderbilt University (VU)

Situated on a beautiful 340-acre campus in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University consists of 10 schools, four of which offer undergraduate programs. The combination of excellent academic rigor, a vibrant campus life, and an urban location attracts exceptionally talented students from around the world and consistently earns the university a top 20 ranking among the "Best National Universities" from U.S. News & World Report. Vanderbilt's 7,000 undergraduate and 6,600 graduate students, coming from more than 95 countries, are continuously immersed in the multidisciplinary research and teaching that are at the heart of the campus community.

At Vanderbilt, 61% of undergraduates participate in academic research, and with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, students have easy access to faculty. Vanderbilt students take full advantage of student life by engaging in more than 475 student organizations, a full range of study abroad programs, Division I athletics, and a variety of exciting internship opportunities. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students and financial aid awards do not include loans.

Vanderbilt undergraduates come from all 50 states and 52 countries, 51% are female, 49% are male, 41.0% are minority students and 8.8% are international students.

Vanderbilt is recognized for an active campus life, where students balance their academic lives with enriching experiences outside the classroom. In addition to finding community among the university's many identity centers, students can participate in 475+ student-run organizations, including pre-professional, cultural, religious, political, recreational, and social clubs. Elected representatives of Vanderbilt Student Government work in conjunction with other student leaders and faculty to bring noted speakers, events, and musicians to campus. Vanderbilt also has a thriving college athletics program. A founding member of the SEC, Vanderbilt has 16 Division I teams that have won four national championships and 30 individual and team league championships since 2000.

The most important takeaway for those at Vanderbilt University is that “the students here are going to support you.” Overwhelmingly, students agree that their school offers a “collaborative environment of people from different backgrounds who are happy to engage with each other.” Moreover, “students at Vanderbilt are very driven, but in a … noncompetitive manner that cultivates a challenging but enjoyable learning experience.” One student playfully describes the student body as “sociable nerds—academics are important to us but we also love to party and have fun.” Others attest that students are “very intelligent” with a “work-hard-play-hard kind of attitude. The same kid you see out on Broadway at 3:00 a.m. is the same one who will wreck the curve on your final exam.” One student affirms that “everyone has their niche, and because of the school’s breadth of programs, often those niches are unique. Artists, scientists, musicians, engineers, and teachers all can come together to hang out and enjoy college life together.”

“There is a huge emphasis on building community here at Vanderbilt,” explains one student, “Students are greatly encouraged to join many clubs and organizations. The university doesn’t expect students to spend all of their time studying.” Many tout the music clubs on campus, like the Spirit of Gold Marching Band and the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra, a “great community” for “non-music majors.” One member describes the South Asian Cultural Exchange as “the largest and most impactful student organization on campus.” Others enjoy service-oriented and athletic groups on campus: “My favorite extracurricular activities at Vanderbilt University include working with Vanderbilt’s Habitat for Humanity organization and running with Vanderbilt’s Run Club. Habitat for Humanity in Vanderbilt allows great volunteer service to be done easily.” Students note that “a surprisingly large proportion of the student body takes part in Greek Life events to some extent.” They also take pride in their football being part of the “best sports conferences, the SEC!” Students also brag that Vanderbilt’s “location is ideal,” loving that “Nashville has an amazing food scene as well as lots of live music.”

Vanderbilt’s stellar Career Center does its utmost to help students meet their professional goals and dreams. Right from the beginning, undergrads can meet with a Career Coach assigned to work with their specific major. What’s more, the Center makes meeting with said coach incredibly easy; you can get together in person, via Skype, or speak over the phone. Students can also tap into numerous online resources, taking career assessments, searching for internship listings, etc. Additionally, the Career Center sponsors a myriad of events throughout the academic year. For example, the office hosts industry specific “slams.” These operate as fun, casual networking events wherein companies pitch themselves to students in rapid-fire rounds and then set up tables so interested individuals can further the conversation. Of course, students can rest assured that there are more traditional career fairs as well.