In 1873, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt generously gifted $1 million to endow and build Vanderbilt University, his only major philanthropic donation. In early 1873, Methodist Bishop Holland N. McTyeire, who was married to Amelia Townsend, a cousin of Commodore Vanderbilt, visited New York to undergo medical treatment. He spent his recovery time at the Vanderbilt mansion where he talked about a university in the South that would strengthen ties in all sections of the country.

Upon receiving the gift from the Commodore, Bishop McTyeire chose the location for the university and supervised the construction of the buildings. He personally planted many of the trees that make up the Vanderbilt Arboretum today. Initially, there was a main hall, astronomy observatory and housing for the professors. The school operated for the first 40 years under the Methodist Episcopal Church. In June 1914, the university severed ties with the church due to a disagreement over who should appoint university trustees.

In 1905, the school suffered a fire that consumed the main building. It was rebuilt under the supervision of James H. Kirkland and renamed in his honor. The school began with an enrollment of 307, but had risen to 3,529 by 1950. Many of those enrolled between 1925 and 1950 were the result of the G.I. Bill as soldiers returned home from the wars.

Although the school was planned as an all-male school, the board never enacted rules prohibiting women to enroll. At least one woman attended the school from 1875 on, although until 1892, most attended at the courtesy of professors or as non-degree students. In 1892, women were granted full legal equality at Vanderbilt although they were not permitted access to the dorm.

By 2007, the university led the country in research funding, with grants that totaled more than $50 million. Today, Vanderbilt is a private research university with over 11,000 students enrolled. Former Vice-President Al Gore is an alumnus of Vanderbilt. The school ranks sixth among best colleges for veterans and tenth in best undergraduate teaching according to U.S. News & World Report. Kiplinger ranks the school third in best values among private universities and sixth in overall best college value. Princeton Review says Vanderbilt is located in the number one city students love and it is second for happiest students. The publication also says that Vanderbilt has the best financial aid and quality of life as well.

Vanderbilt University Accreditation Details

Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation indicates that the college provides students with an education that more than prepares them for the career paths they have chosen. Specific programs are accredited by specialty accreditation agencies, organizations and associations as well.

Vanderbilt University Application Requirements

Freshmen, students who have not earned college credit after high school graduation, may apply through the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, complete the Common Application, QuestBridge or through the Universal Application process. Students should only submit an application through one system, not through multiple systems as all are treated the same upon receipt by Vanderbilt. Applicants who wish to attend Blair must complete a music resume and submit forms for two music teacher recommendations. If applying to Blair through QuestBridge National Match program, they may not list Blair as their first choice.

Students who have completed college credits after high school graduation may be considered transfer students. Students must have a GPA of at least A- or B+ and have competitive test scores. They must be involved in their current college community and have a compelling reason why they want to attend Vanderbilt. Students are considered transfers if they have completed at least 12 credit hours after graduating high school

Graduate schools, as well as some undergraduate schools, have specific enrollment requirements so students are encouraged to contact an admissions counselor prior to enrolling.

Vanderbilt University Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time tuition at Vanderbilt University is $46,500 per year for undergraduate study. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program chosen. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs. Undergraduate students must complete the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for all types of aid.

Graduate students are awarded all merit-based aid, including scholarships, grants as well as graduate and teaching assistantships. They may also qualify for loans. Students must complete the FAFSA in order to qualify for any graduate student financial aid.

Vanderbilt University Degree Program(s) Available

Bachelor of Science Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science blends scientific and engineering principles with theoretical analysis and hands-on experience to provide undergraduates with a strong foundation in the field. Students focus on practical and intellectual computing interests as well as gain an understanding of algorithms and the limits of computation. Students work on state-of-the-art equipment on assignments that provide individual and team experiences. Students have the ability to obtain internships that offer them even more hands-on training. There is also a pre-medical option for students who wish to pursue medicine as a career with a computer science foundation. Students may also choose an Engineering Management minor.

In addition to liberal arts courses, courses required may include:

  • Accelerated Single Variable Calculus I & II
  • Algorithms
  • CS Depth
  • Computer Organization
  • Digital Logic
  • Discrete Structures
  • General Chemistry with Laboratory
  • General Physics I & II with Laboratory
  • Introduction to Engineering
  • Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics
  • Intermediate Software Design
  • Methods of Linear Algebra
  • Multivariable Calculus
  • Program Design and Data Structures
  • Programming Languages
  • Principles of Operating Systems I
  • Programming and Problem Solving

The Computer Science program requires completion of 120 credit hours which includes liberal studies, core program courses and electives chosen by the student to enhance their learning experience. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Vanderbilt University has been offering outstanding education to both men and women since its inception over 130 years ago. The school strives to provide students with the knowledge necessary to move into a new career or advance in a current career.

Related resource:
Top 30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs