Vanderbilt raises its free-tuition line from $150,000 to $200,000, for this fall's applicants

On September 17, 2026, Vanderbilt's undergraduate admissions office posted that it is expanding Opportunity Vanderbilt "to provide tuition-free scholarships to students from families with incomes of $200,000 or less, up from our previous threshold of $150,000."

The expansion takes effect "for current students in fall 2027 and for new undergraduates entering in fall 2027, including students who are applying this fall."

Vanderbilt adds that many families below the line "will typically receive aid greater than full tuition" for housing and food, and that many families above it also get aid.

If you are a senior applying for fall 2027 and your family earns $200,000 or less, Vanderbilt says your tuition is covered if you are admitted. Below that line, aid can go further than tuition. Above it, you may still get need-based aid. Rice and Wellesley drew the same $200,000 line for fall 2027.

This is separate from Vanderbilt's merit scholarships. Vanderbilt says it awards over 225 of them each year; each one covers full tuition and adds a stipend for study abroad, research or service in the summer.