About
From its founding in 1873 as an institution devoted to “strengthening the ties which should exist between all sections of our common country,” Vanderbilt University has forged a tradition of academic excellence infused with a unique spirit of collaboration and collegiality. Our mission lies in the quest to bring out the best in humanity—pushing new ideas into the frontiers of discovery, challenging the limits of what’s possible and working diligently in the service of others. Vanderbilt’s closely connected parklike campus, set in the heart of the rapidly growing city of Nashville, Tennessee, is representative of the enduring bonds that unite us as One Vanderbilt community.
This is Vanderbilt
1. Collectively striving to succeed
Immersive Learning
Benefit from close knit residential education and experiential learning in the classroom and beyond
Integrated Research
Working across institutions, Vanderbilt bridges disciplines to solve the great challenges of our time.
Collaborative Discovery
Collaborative culture comes together with competitive spirit to fuel path-breaking discovery and innovation.
PhD Candidate, Peabody College
“I liked that Vanderbilt was an academically strong school where students support one another in collectively striving to succeed, instead of competing to beat one another. When compared to other prestigious schools, Vanderbilt had warmth.”
2. Learning through contrasting points of view
Diverse Perspectives
Our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, is our greatest source of strength.
Future Leaders
We wed education and inspiration to challenge young, diverse minds to address society’s greatest challenges.
Active Engagement
Home to more than 475 organizations that focus and expand the varied interests of our community.
“Vanderbilt culture is combining academic rigor with a super involved, diverse, and enjoyable student experience.”
3. Striking a unique and ideal balance
World-class city
Nashville is a city on the rise, with cosmopolitan flair, small-town appeal and Vanderbilt at its heart.
Intimate Campus
10 colleges spanning a 330 acre campus intentionally designed to keep students and faculty closely connected.
Exciting athletics
Small school vibe meets with Southeastern Conference energy, from football to baseball, tennis and more.
Associate Professor of English
“Vanderbilt is consistently ranked as one of the most academically challenging universities, as well as one of the universities with the happiest students. This really shows the balance between school and social life and the environment and culture here.”
English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Indonesian
Italian
Spanish