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. In 2024, the program was expanded to provide a full-tuition scholarship for all households with income of $150K* or less.
*assuming typical assets
Since its launch in 2009, more than 15,400 undergraduate students have received need-based support through Opportunity Vanderbilt.
Hear from alumni and students who share how scholarship and philanthropy have changed the trajectory of their lives:
"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
"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.