Vanderbilt Acceptance Rate Drops to 4.6% For Class of 2029
Arkesh P.
Chief Operating Officer
Summary
Vanderbilt’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 dropped to 4.6%, the lowest in recent years, amid a rise in applicants, from around 47,000 to 50,084. Early Decision candidates experienced a notable advantage with a 13.2% admit rate, while Regular Decision remained much more competitive at 3.3%. These results underscore the university's heightened selectivity and highlight the importance of a strategically crafted application.
Vanderbilt has completed its admissions cycle for the Class of 2029! Out of 50,084 applicants, Vanderbilt accepted 2,304 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 4.6%. Here's a detailed breakdown and insights to help prospective applicants better understand the evolving admissions landscape.
Class of 2029 Overview
| Admission Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (I & II Combined) | 6,762 | 893 | 13.2% |
| Regular Decision (RD) | 43,322 | 1,411 | 3.3% |
| Overall | 50,084 | 2,304 | 4.6% |
Key Trends & Insights
- Overall Decline in Acceptance Rate: Both the RD and ED acceptance rates declined at similar rates due to an increase in applicants in both application cycles.
- Noticeable Increase in Applicants: This year marks a sharp increase in overall applicants, which have stagnated at around 47,000 over the past 3 years. This year, the total number of applicants rose to 50,084.
- Increased Competitiveness Over The Years: The acceptance rate has been consistently declining over the past 5 years, dropping from 7.8% for Class of 2025 to 4.6% for Class of 2029 this year.
Vanderbilt's admissions remain fiercely competitive, demanding not only exceptional academic performance but also evidence of meaningful engagement and genuine passion. Applicants should focus on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.
Vanderbilt's Regular Decision Acceptance Results
Regular Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 43,322 | 41,336 | +4.8% |
| Applications Accepted | 1,411 | 1,512 | -6.7% |
| RD Acceptance Rate | 3.3% | 3.7% | -10.8% |
The RD acceptance rate continues to be significantly lower than the ED acceptance rate.
Similar to previous years, the RD cycle at Vanderbilt is extremely competitive. However, this year, a 4.8% increase in applicants combined with a 6.7% decrease in admissions further increased this competitiveness.
This year's RD rate is actually the lowest in the past 5 years and the growing applicant pool reflects heightened interest in Vanderbilt's programs. Despite that, admissions continue to tighten, maintaining the institution’s rigorous standards.
Vanderbilt's Early Decision Acceptance Results
Early Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 6,762 | 5,835 | +15.9% |
| Applications Accepted | 893 | 889 | +0.4% |
| ED Acceptance Rate | 13.2% | 15.2% | -13.2% |
Similar to the RD acceptance rate, Vanderbilt's ED rate also decreased.
The ED acceptance rate dropped from 15.2% to 13.2%, representing a 13.2% decrease and the lowest acceptance rate in at least the past 5 years.
This is the result of the significant increase in applicants, rising by 15.9%. While the number of applicants soared, the number of admitted students remained static, with only a marginal increase.
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Action applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Vanderbilt your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Historical Trends
The table below gives prospective applicants a 5-year snapshot of Vanderbilt's admissions trends.
Historical Acceptance Rates at Vanderbilt
| Class of | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Total Acceptance Rate | RD Acceptance Rate | ED Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 50,084 | 2,304 | 4.6% | 3.3% | 13.2% |
| 2028 | 47,171 | 2,401 | 5.08% | 3.7% | 15.2% |
| 2027 | 47,120 | ~2,645 | 5.6% | 4.2% | 15.7% |
| 2026 | ~46,659 | ~2,852 | 6.1% | 4.7% | 17.6% |
| 2025 | 52,223 | ~4,075 | 7.8% | 6.7% | 18.1% |
- Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades and a high GPA.
- Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
- Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
- Test Scores: If submitting, aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above Vanderbilt's reported range.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to all students admitted to Vanderbilt's Class of 2029 — your achievement reflects remarkable dedication and excellence. For those considering applying to Vanderbilt in the future, the admissions landscape is increasingly competitive, making strategic preparation essential. Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate this challenging process, offering tailored guidance to build compelling applications that reflect their authentic strengths and passions.
If you're a student or parent interested in Vanderbilt or other top universities, Crimson can help.
Our holistic, personalized, and proven approach — including expert essay reviewing and mentoring services — has set a new standard in comprehensive college admissions consulting.
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