Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship

The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship is Vanderbilt University's flagship merit-based undergraduate scholarship. Established in 1979 through a visionary bequest from the family of university founder Cornelius Vanderbilt, this prestigious award honors students who combine exceptional academic performance with profound intellectual curiosity, collaborative leadership, and meaningful engagement outside the classroom. Scholars join an elite multidisciplinary cohort of undergraduate scholars who benefit from dedicated academic enrichment and faculty mentorship.

Who it's for

The scholarship is open to all domestic and international secondary school graduates applying as first-year undergraduate students across any of Vanderbilt's four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, or the Blair School of Music. Selection is purely merit-based, targeting candidates who have demonstrated outstanding intellectual engagement, original thought, leadership acumen, and a commitment to making positive contributions to their campus community.

What it covers

Recipients receive full tuition coverage for four years (eight semesters) of continuous undergraduate study, alongside an allowance for mandatory fees. In addition, the award includes a one-time summer stipend of up to $6,000 to support a university-approved immersive experience following the sophomore or junior year, such as independent academic research, an unpaid internship, service learning, or international study abroad.

• Must apply as a first-year undergraduate applicant to Vanderbilt University for the fall semester.
• Open to students of any nationality, including domestic and international applicants.
• Outstanding secondary school academic achievement, rigorous coursework, and top class ranking.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, creative engagement, and meaningful extracurricular leadership.
• Must submit the separate Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship application via the MyAppVU portal.

• Full tuition waiver covering 100% of undergraduate tuition for four full academic years.
• Coverage of mandatory university undergraduate student activity and health fees.
• One-time stipend of up to $6,000 for summer research, international study, or service learning.
• Exclusive faculty mentorship, seminars, and networking opportunities within the Vanderbilt Scholars program.
• Renewable annually for up to eight semesters contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

1. Submit your application for first-year undergraduate admission to Vanderbilt University via Common Application or Coalition Application.
2. Activate your MyAppVU applicant portal account upon receipt of login credentials from the admissions office.
3. Access the Signature Scholarships section within the MyAppVU portal and select the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship application.
4. Complete the required scholarship essay addressing your intellectual curiosity and leadership vision.
5. Submit the completed scholarship application and all accompanying credentials by December 1, 2026.