Vanderbilt University School of Nursing traces its roots to the Vanderbilt Training School for Nurses founded in 1909, and it became a degree-granting school of the university in the 1930s. Today it is exclusively a graduate-level school, offering the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing Science. It is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation, especially for its MSN and DNP programs, and is recognized for leadership in nurse practitioner education, nursing informatics, and health systems research.
Students learn in a collaborative, interprofessional environment alongside Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the leading academic medical centers in the Southeast, which provides extensive clinical placements and research opportunities. The school's hybrid learning model combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, attracting a national cohort of working nurses and career changers (via the Pre-Specialty entry for non-nurses). The Nashville campus offers a vibrant, supportive community, small cohorts, and strong faculty mentorship.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 50% |
| Graduation rate | 90% |
| Average starting salary | $110,000 |
| In-state tuition | $1,900 per credit hour |
| Out-of-state tuition | $1,900 per credit hour |
| Room & board | $22,000 |
| Average financial aid | $15,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | November 1 (Pre-Specialty/MSN priority); varies by program |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.