Support Opportunity Vanderbilt

Empower Dreams. Ignite Potential. Make History.

At Vanderbilt, we believe that nothing should stand between a student and the transformative power of a world-class education. Opportunity Vanderbilt is a bold commitment to our extraordinary students, creating a future where financial circumstances never limit their dreams.

This important initiative, fueled in part by generous donors, meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, providing students the ability to graduate debt-free and focus on their ambitions and personal growth.

Since its launch in 2009, more than 15,400 undergraduate students have received need-based support through Opportunity Vanderbilt.

Powering Opportunity for the Future: Since the program's launch, alumni, parents and friends of the university have moved its mission forward.

65% of students receive financial aid

15,400+ undergraduate students have received support through Opportunity Vanderbilt

70% of alumni recipients give back to the program

Join them by giving today

Vanderbilt scholarships create a legacy that spans generations | Dare to Grow

Vanderbilt alumna Dr. Makeba Williams Boatwright, BS'98, received a scholarship to study at Peabody College in 1998 and today, she and her husband, Mr. Damond Williams Boatwright, have given back by establishing a scholarship of their own.

Student Impact

“I am profoundly grateful for your generous support which has not only lightened my financial burdens but has empowered me to pursue my educational and career aspirations with passion and dedication. Your belief in my potential means the world to me, and I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.”

—Mia Cisija, Opportunity Vanderbilt recipient

Class of 2025

"This scholarship has empowered me to dream beyond the confines of financial constraints, providing the means to explore, learn, and aspire to fulfill my ambitions in a manner that would have been unimaginable without such support."

– Rahul Sharma, Opportunity Vanderbilt recipient

Class of 2025

Alumni Impact

"The education I received and the friends I made at Vanderbilt have done so much to positively shape my life. The Maggie Craig Memorial Scholarship was essential to letting me attend a great university without worrying about the long-term cost impact and setting me up to further pursue the education and career that I wanted."

—Trevan Locke, Opportunity Vanderbilt recipient

Class of 2012

Trevan studied chemical and biomolecular engineering at Vanderbilt University and is now an assistant research director at Duke-Margolis.

Support Opportunity Vanderbilt

Empower Dreams. Ignite Potential. Make History.

65% of students receive financial aid

15,400+ undergraduate students have received support through Opportunity Vanderbilt

70% of alumni recipients give back to the program

Vanderbilt scholarships create a legacy that spans generations | Dare to Grow

Trustee Conner Searcy, BA'97, shares how scholarship and philanthropy changed the course of his life

Vanderbilt empowers student success through scholarships | Sam Carton, BA'23| Dare to Grow: Atlanta

Vanderbilt inspires courage to make a difference | Riley Eddins, Class of 2025 | Dare to Grow

Student Impact

"This scholarship has empowered me to dream beyond the confines of financial constraints, providing the means to explore, learn, and aspire to fulfill my ambitions in a manner that would have been unimaginable without such support."

Alumni Impact

Vanderbilt scholarship recipients share their gratitude