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Estimated Cost of Attendance

Overview  |  Cost  |  Scholarships  |  Loans

 

2023-24 J.D. Estimated Cost of Attendance

 

Direct Costs

 

 Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$69,998

 $34,999 for each of two semesters; flat rate tuition for all students.

VU Student Services Fee

$611

Recreation / Wellness Center and other University services and activities

Law School Programming Fee

$700

Student programming, technology, professional development, and co-curricular engagement

One time transcript fee

$100

All VU students are assessed a one-time lifetime transcript fee during their first semester. Vanderbilt University only issues official transcripts.

Student Health Fee

$775

Expanded access to student health care and wellness resources, including Telehealth care options, focusing on mental and physical health, nutrition, and sleep. Enhanced satellite services with multiple care locations across campus.

Total Tuition & Fees

$72,184

 

Indirect Costs

 

9-month estimates

While actual individual indirect costs vary depending on personal choices and circumstances that influence spending (e.g., living alone or with a roommate, eating out or at home, transportation choices, etc.), the University makes the following indirect cost estimates which determine the maximum federal loan amount available. Please note, however, that students whose actual total indirect costs are less than the total estimated cost can borrow less than the maximum amount available while knowing that additional funds (up to the maximum) are available should the need arise.

Books / Supplies

$1,700

$1,700 for 1L students; $500 for 2L & 3L students   

Housing

$15,562 

 $1,729.11 per month. Studio or shared multi-bedroom typically less.

Food

$7,120

$791.11 per month.

Personal and miscellaneous / Health

$5,710

For personal expenses not itemized elsewhere and Health Insurance.

Transportation

$1,526

 

Loan fees

$1,726

Average loan fees incurred by similarly classified borrowers during the previous academic year. $0 for non-borrowers.

Total estimated indirect costs

$33,344

Figure at left applies to first-year students. Due to the lesser estimate for books, as above, total estimated a second- or third-year student may borrow up to $32,144.

 

 

Total Estimated Cost of Attendance, 2023-24

Tuition & Fees

(Direct Costs)

$72,184

$34,999 each of two semesters. A student may borrow the amount of tuition and fees not covered by scholarship or need-based grant, e.g., a student with a $35,000 scholarship may borrow up to $37,184, or a student with no scholarship or grant may borrow up to $72,184.

Estimated Indirect Costs

$33,334

Amount at left includes $1,700 estimate for 1L books. Estimated indirect costs for books as above, estimated indirect cost for 2L and 3L students is $32,144. As a practical matter, students indirect costs will differ based on personal choices and circumstances. A first-year student may borrow any amount for indirect costs, as needed, up to the amount at left.

Total Estimated Cost of Attendance 

$105,528 

$104,228 for 2Ls and 3Ls due to lower book cost estimates as above.

 

Comparing VLS estimated living expenses to other law schools?

Law schools' living expense estimates are not tied to cost-of-living differences between locations and they are not necessarily based on comparable living situations. This means that schools with lower living expense estimates do not necessarily cost less to attend. 

Tuition payment

Tuition for the academic year is payable in two equal installments, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. In addition to tuition, fees include:

  • A nonrefundable seat deposit when you accept admission, which is credited toward the fall semester bill.
  • Student health insurance through Vanderbilt which may be waived if you have comparable coverage through another provider.
  • Annual activities and recreation fee which provides access to the campus recreation center, the Sarratt Student Center and many campus events.

Refunds of Tuition and Other Charges, Tuition Payment Programs, and Other Information on Student Accounts is available from the Vanderbilt University Office of Student Accounts.

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office

615-322-6452 | admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu