Pride of Southern Higher Education: Vanderbilt University — 'Harvard of the South'

Author: Mom&I Editorial Department  
Research and Writing: Kim Hee-jun  

Overview

Vanderbilt University is situated in Nashville, Tennessee, a city renowned as the home of country music and a hub of musical culture. Established in 1873, Vanderbilt has produced numerous distinguished alumni over its 144-year history, including five Nobel Prize laureates and prominent figures in politics and business. The university is notably famous for its schools of education and law. The highly competitive admissions process records a remarkable ACT score average, ranking 7th nationwide. The campus is renowned for its beauty, boasting over 300 species of trees and earning the designation of a national arboretum in 1988. Peabody College, a building from the university's founding era, is recognized as a cultural heritage site for its historical significance since 1966. Let us explore Vanderbilt University where history, tradition, and beautiful nature converge.

Academic Programs and Features

Vanderbilt University's undergraduate school is divided into four colleges: the College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Blair School of Music, and Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Engineering, psychology, education, and English are particularly acclaimed. Peabody College is often praised as the top education school in the United States. Graduate programs include law, medicine, nursing, business, and divinity schools, with the law school consistently ranked among the nation's top 20.

Student Composition and Campus Life

Admissions are highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic performance. Students often participate in seminars, research tutorials, and honors programs, engaging in research projects alongside faculty. Vanderbilt also offers over 100 language programs globally, enhancing students' international perspectives. While students predominantly come from outside Tennessee, the foreign student ratio is approximately 6%. Many South Korean students choose music and education courses, often supported by scholarships from corporations or government agencies. About 90% of students live in campus dormitories, which include accommodations for foreign students and families.

History of the University

Founded with the support of Cornelius Vanderbilt who donated $1 million intending to foster educational ties among social classes, Vanderbilt University opened in 1873 after earlier delays due to financial issues. Initially organized with four departments—law, medicine, theology, and arts—it expanded to include dentistry, pharmacy, and engineering by 1886. The "Commodore" is the university's symbol, reflecting founder Cornelius Vanderbilt's nickname as a successful entrepreneur in shipping.

Admissions and Tuition

For recent admissions, 2,500 of about 30,000 applicants were accepted, marking a 9% admission rate. Requirements include high ACT/SAT scores and an impressive high school GPA. The average ACT score is 33, and SAT scores range from 1550 to 1600. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS score of 7.0 is required, though language scores can be waived with a high NEW SAT Reading score. Additional requirements include recommendation letters, essays, extracurricular activities, and character assessments. The annual tuition is approximately $45,000, notably higher than nearby state universities, though more affordable than Ivy League schools. Lower living costs around the campus enhance its appeal.

Notable Alumni

Vanderbilt alumni have made significant contributions across fields. Five Nobel laureates, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus, are notable alumni. Other distinguished graduates include Ann S. Moore, former CEO of Time Inc., Doug Parker, CEO of US Airways, and founders of major consulting firms Boston Consulting Group (Bruce Henderson) and Bain and Company (Bill Bain).