Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate & Admissions Data (2025-2026)
Every figure on this page comes from the school’s own Common Data Set (2025-2026 edition) and was independently verified against official sources.
#17
2026 US News Best National Universities
5.4%
acceptance rate
48,196
applicants
2,593
admitted
14.1%
Early Decision rate (2.6x the overall rate)
Vanderbilt University Common Data Set: What It Values Most
Every college officially reports how much each application factor matters in section C7 of its Common Data Set. These are Vanderbilt University’s own published ratings from the 2025-2026 edition, not our opinion.
Academic factors
Rigor of coursework
Class rank
Academic GPA
Standardized test scores
Application essay
Recommendations
Nonacademic factors
Interview
Extracurricular activities
Talent / ability
Character / personal qualities
First generation
Alumni relation
Geographical residence
State residency
Religious affiliation
Racial / ethnic status
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant interest
Writing the Vanderbilt University supplement? See every current Vanderbilt University essay prompt, with strategies.
Testing policy
Test optional: scores are considered if submitted but not required.
Studying Business at Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt has no undergraduate business major; business-minded undergrads typically major in Economics (College of Arts and Science) or Human and Organizational Development (Peabody College) and can add the Hoogland undergraduate Business minor taught by faculty from the Owen Graduate School of Management.
Building a profile for Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University rates extracurriculars very important in its own filing. Real internship experience is exactly that kind of signal.
Sources
Data reflects the 2025-2026Common Data Set, the most recent verified edition at the time of publication. Always confirm current requirements on the school’s admissions site.