Vanderbilt's published cost of attendance reaches $84,412 per year, comprising $63,946 in tuition, $21,054 for room and board, and $1,194 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,040 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $65,372 through the university's comprehensive aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,412 |
| Tuition and Fees | $63,946 |
| Room and Board | $21,054 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,194 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$65,372 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,040 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $5,797 |
| $30–48k | $4,729 |
| $48–75k | $6,211 |
| $75–110k | $14,780 |
| $110k+ | $42,754 |
Vanderbilt's published cost of attendance reaches $84,412 per year, comprising $63,946 in tuition, $21,054 for room and board, and $1,194 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,040 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $65,372 through the university's comprehensive aid programs. This net price falls $8,103 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating Vanderbilt's commitment to affordability despite its premium sticker price.
The university's financial aid effectively transforms a high-cost institution into one with competitive net pricing for most families. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $5,797 for the lowest-income families to $42,754 for the highest-income bracket, demonstrating targeted aid distribution that prioritizes need-based assistance. This pricing structure enables Vanderbilt to maintain accessibility across diverse economic backgrounds while supporting its educational mission through comprehensive financial aid.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Vanderbilt graduates maintain remarkably low debt levels relative to both outcomes and peer institutions. Median debt reaches just $14,000, substantially below the peer median of $24,181 by $10,181, ranking at the 87.0th percentile nationally for low debt levels.
Debt ranges from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $21,016 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 represents exceptionally favorable positioning, with typical graduates owing less than 16 cents for every dollar of annual earnings.
Parent PLUS debt averages $30,193 with monthly payments of $398, representing additional family borrowing but manageable relative to graduate earnings outcomes. The combination of generous institutional aid, controlled student borrowing, and strong earnings outcomes creates sustainable debt levels that support long-term financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Vanderbilt delivers exceptional investment returns through the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled costs. Graduates earn $5,673 beyond expectations, placing the university at the 75.8th percentile nationally for earnings uplift and demonstrating well above average value creation.
Median earnings of $91,565 rank at the 97.0th percentile nationally, representing among the highest earnings we track. Debt levels $10,181 below peer median, combined with earnings $28,499 above peer median, create outstanding debt-to-earnings positioning with a ratio of 0.15.
The university's generous financial aid transforms a premium-priced education into competitive net costs, with average students paying $19,040 compared to sticker prices exceeding $84,000. This investment profile ranks Vanderbilt among the top 5% nationally for graduate earnings while maintaining excellent affordability through aid programs.
Vanderbilt enrolls 18.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful representation of lower-income families despite the university's selectivity and premium positioning. The dramatic $65,372 difference between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates the university's commitment to need-based financial aid and accessibility.
Net prices by income tier reveal sophisticated aid targeting, with families earning under $75,000 paying between $4,729 and $6,211, well below typical public university costs. This aid distribution enables Vanderbilt to serve economically diverse student populations while maintaining its educational resources and campus environment.
The financial aid structure effectively removes cost barriers for lower and middle-income families who gain admission, transforming Vanderbilt from a high-cost institution into an accessible option for families across income levels. The university's aid policies reflect institutional commitment to socioeconomic diversity and educational access within its selective admissions framework.
