Vanderbilt Owen MBA: 2026-2027 deadlines and requirements
Key facts
| Program | Full-time MBA |
|---|---|
| City | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Rank | #16 (tie) in U.S. News 2026 Best Business Schools |
| Class size | 126 students in the Class of 2028 |
| GMAT score | Average 666 for the Class of 2028 (the page does not name the GMAT edition) |
| GRE | Average 159 Verbal and 160 Quant for the Class of 2028 |
| Tests it takes | Takes the GMAT, the GRE or the Executive Assessment. The pages do not name the GMAT Focus Edition. You can ask for a test waiver before the round deadline, but not after you send a score. Waivers go to people with strong math classes or work, or a CPA or CFA. |
| Application fee | $200. No fee waiver is named on the application page. |
| Tuition | $76,700 for the 2026-2027 year (tuition only). The page also lists fees, housing, food and other costs, and says all applicants are considered for merit scholarships from $10,000 a year to full tuition. |
| English test | TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or TOEFL Essentials is required unless you earned a degree in a country where English is the official language, have lived and worked in such a country for 2 or more years, or scored in the 90th percentile or higher on the GMAT or GRE verbal part. No minimum score is printed on the page. |
Application rounds
| Round | Apply by | Decision by |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Central | December 18, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Central | March 12, 2027 |
| Round 3 | March 10, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Central | April 23, 2027 |
| Round 4 | May 5, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Central | As applications are reviewed |
Essays
- 400 words. Statement One: Our Career Management Center offers resources, guidance, and support to students as they navigate their anticipated post-MBA career paths. Examples of popular industry career paths are Consulting, Financial Services, Consumer Products, Healthcare, Human Resources, Technology, and beyond. It is noteworthy that many students opt to concurrently explore multiple industry career paths. As you contemplate your post-MBA aspirations, walk us through your career journey thus far and share two post-MBA career paths you aim to explore during the Vanderbilt MBA program. Please articulate what in your career journey has led to your decision to pursue an MBA, and touch on skills you've developed that will help you achieve your post-MBA career plans.
- 300 words. Statement Two: Reflect on a challenge or stressful situation you have faced. How did you respond to this challenge, and what did you learn about yourself through the process?
- Optional, no word limit printed. Optional explanatory statement: a short note about anything not already covered in your application, such as an employment gap, a missing recommendation from your current supervisor, or low grades.
Recommendations
1 letter. The school prefers a professional who knows your work, such as a supervisor, client or project manager. Your recommender can use the school's form or the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. It is due on the round deadline.
Interview
By invitation only, after your application is complete, and part of the decision. It is behavior based and can be online or on campus. The school values both formats equally.
Other parts of the application
A video response to easy get to know you questions (you can prepare first). A one page resume. Unofficial transcripts from every school. Pathway2MBA and VU2MBA applicants for deferred admission may apply in Rounds 3 and 4. International applicants must apply by April 5, 2027.
Links
Sources
- Vanderbilt Owen: MBA Admissions Overview, read November 1, 2026
- Vanderbilt Owen: How To Apply, read November 1, 2026
- Vanderbilt Owen: Class Profile, read November 1, 2026
- Vanderbilt Owen: Tuition & Financing, read November 1, 2026
- Campus photo: Eustress, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
