Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Vanderbilt University is a private research university based in Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1873 and is home to 7,000 undergraduates and 2,400 graduate students. Vanderbilt campus spans across 340.7 acres and it offers over 70+ UG programs to its students. 

Vanderbilt has been named among the Top 25 private universities for research and innovation by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It has ranked #18 in the National Universities Ranking, #8 in Best Value Schools, and #248 in the World University Rankings 2025. 

Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate 2025 

Vanderbilt University received applications from over 45,400 students. However, the number of students admitted was just a little over 2,600, while the number of students enrolled crossed 1,600, suggesting that Vanderbilt University acceptance rate stands at a mere 5.86%. This indicates intense competition for securing admission at the university.  

Vanderbilt University yield rate is 61.2%. More details for the student enrolled for the academic session 2024-25 and 2023-24 are given below for comparison: 

Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate for International Students 

Vanderbilt University received over 8,300 applications from international students. The number of students admitted, however, was just around 360, while the number of international enrollees stood at almost 200.

This implies that the Vanderbilt University acceptance rate for international students is just 4.3%, even lower than the overall admission rate. This indicates that Vanderbilt University has extremely selective admission criteria for international aspirants. 

Vanderbilt University recorded over 800 international(nonresidential) undergraduates for Fall 2024. Each year, the university accepts students belonging to various ethnic and racial backgrounds. Below is a breakdown of the UG student body at Vanderbilt University: 

Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate Trends 

Over the years, the number of applications received and accepted by Vanderbilt University has observed a slight decline. Consequently, the acceptance rate has also observed a declining trend, suggesting increased competition for aspirants. Given below is a more detailed analysis of the enrollments at Vanderbilt University throughout the years: 

Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate: Early Decision vs Regular Decision 

Vanderbilt provides its applicants to apply through three decision plans: Early Decision I and II, and Regular Decision. It doesn't have an option to apply through Early Action. Applying through Early Decision means students are obligated to accept admission at Vanderbilt if offered admission.  

For the class of 2028, Vanderbilt received 5,835 ED applications, of which around 889 were selected. This suggests that the Vanderbilt ED acceptance rate was recorded to be 15.2%. The deadlines to apply are as follows: 

Vanderbilt University Requirements for International Students 

Vanderbilt is quite selective in its admission criteria, with an acceptance rate of just 5.8%, and requires prospective students to fulfill the following basic requirements:  

• Non-refundable application fee of USD 50 (INR 4250)  

• High school transcripts (English translated)  

• English translated LOR (Two from academic teachers, one by a counselor)  

• English Proficiency Test (Minimum score: TOEFL iBT|100, TOEFL Essentials|10.5, IELTS|7.0, DET|130, LanguageCert|75, Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency|185) or 26+ on ACT English section/630+ on SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing section  

• College Essay and short answer  
• SAT or ACT scores (optional)  

PG requirements are as follows:  

• Application fee of USD 95 (INR 8,080)  

• GRE scores  

• English Proficiency Proof (TOEFL iBT|89, IELTS|7.0, DET|7.0)  

• Letter of Recommendation  

• Statement of Purpose  

• Unofficial Transcripts  

• UGPA (Undergraduate Grade Point Average)  

It is recommended to visit the official university website for any program-specific requirements. 

Vanderbilt University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores 

Submission of ACT and SAT scores is optional for UG applicants. They can self-report their highest score in their applications. The recorded average scores/GPAs obtained by students who applied for the class of 2028 are given below. Students are advised to try scoring in the mentioned range: 

Tips to get selected at Vanderbilt University 

Wait an acceptance rate of just 5.8%, Vanderbilt is an extremely tough university to get into. Thus, it is recommended for the students to have an all-rounder profile to secure admission to the university. Below are some tips to improve the chances of selection:  

• Adhere to Deadlines: Besides obtaining good scores and an active background in extracurricular activities, also stay ahead and always be informed of the deadlines of the university. Being conclusive of the type of Decision Plan one wants to apply is important, as the deadlines differ accordingly.  

• English Proficiency: Work on and enhance the English Language skillset of the self. While looking to study abroad, universities demand proof of English Language Proficiency in most cases; thus, it is recommended to start working on the same early on.  

• Obtain strong LORs: Vanderbilt mandates three letters of recommendation. It is recommended to inform the teachers/counselor at least 3 weeks before the need, as it allows them to have enough time to evaluate the profile and determine the points to be jotted down.  

• Good College Essay: A good college essay or a statement of purpose, in the case of graduate admissions, is utterly important. Write an essay that highlights both your strengths and self-awareness of your weaknesses. This emphasizes one’s emotional intelligence and high interpersonal sensitivity.   

Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate Vs Emory University Acceptance Rate 

Vanderbilt University's acceptance rate stands at a low of 5.8%, meanwhile Emory University's acceptance rate is around 10.2%. This suggests that admission to the former is harder than the latter.  

Emory University admission criteria are especially selective, thus, students are advised to build not only their academic profile but also experiences outside the academic sphere. Gaining relevant work or volunteering experience will also help.