In 2008, as the nation faced the Great Recession and many other universities reduced their commitment to financial aid, the Vanderbilt community came together to make a bold promise.
With the support of university leaders and generous donors, it promised to meet the financial needs of every undergraduate who attends Vanderbilt. There would be no loans and no income cutoffs. It would operate a need-blind admission process, accepting students based on their merit, not their family’s ability to pay.
That bold promise paid off in the form of Opportunity Vanderbilt—the university’s nationally renowned financial aid program that replaces student loans with grants and scholarships—which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. As we look to its future, we seek to secure endowment support for approximately 50 percent of financial aid, which will help sustain this this transformative initiative for generations.
“Opportunity Vanderbilt is the foundation of our mission,” says Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “It’s who we are. It’s what we stand for. We had to have a fair amount of courage, as well as significant gifts from our alumni, parents and friends, to say, 'Let’s do this.'”
Why does Vanderbilt need more scholarships?
Is there a minimum amount required to support scholarships and Opportunity Vanderbilt?
How will Vanderbilt manage the endowment for the scholarship?
How many undergraduates benefit from an endowed scholarship?
| Gift Level | Description | Estimated Annual Distribution |
| $1,000,000 | Helps support 1-5 scholars each year | $45,000 to $50,000 |
| $500,000 | Helps support 1-3 scholars each year | $22,500 to $25,000 |
| $250,000 | Helps support 1-2 scholars each year | $11,250 to $12,500 |
| $100,000 | Helps support 1 scholar each year | $ 4,500 to $ 5,000 |
Will I know who receives the scholarship? What information will I get?
For questions and additional information, contact Scott Self at (615) 322-6200 or scott.self@vanderbilt.edu.