Vanderbilt University, ranked No. 15 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in 2017, is a Tier 1 research university with an academic medical center offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.

Now its administration building, Kirkland Hall was Vanderbilt’s first building, serving in the late 1800s as an astronomical observatory and faculty housing.

The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt is a residential campus for all first-year students, fostering a common experience that encourages class unity and identity.

Vanderbilt is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, which is often referred to as “Music City” because of its rich musical history and countless live music venues.

Vanderbilt Stadium, which seats 40,500, is not only home to Commodore football games, but has hosted concerts by Luke Bryan, U2 and the Rolling Stones.

Points of Pride

• The four departments within Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine Basic Sciences are all in the top 10 for funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the biochemistry department ranks No. 1 nationally.
• Vanderbilt is ranked No. 14 among all universities, public and private, according to U.S. News & World Report.
• Vanderbilt has generated an impact of $11.9 billion in economic activity, approximately 79,200 jobs and more than $4.2 billion in labor income.
• Former Vanderbilt student-athlete Sarah Fuller became the first woman to compete and score in a major conference college football game in 2020.
• Opportunity Vanderbilt has provided $1.25 billion in need-based undergraduate aid to more than 12,500 students.