Chancellor's Scholars

Mission and History

Chancellor Joe B. Wyatt initiated the Chancellor's Scholars in 1985 to recognize students with outstanding leadership, strength of character, academic achievement, and a deep-seated commitment to diversity and social justice. Chancellor's Scholars have worked to build strong high school communities by bridging gaps among economically, socially, and racially diverse groups and have demonstrated significant interest in issues of diversity education, tolerance, and social justice. Chancellor's Scholars are expected to build upon these earlier commitments through continued active engagement in academic and leadership opportunities at Vanderbilt. The program is funded with gifts from alumni, faculty, staff, students, corporations, and friends.

Scholarship Benefits

Chancellor's Scholars receive full tuition, plus a one-time summer stipend for an immersive experience following the sophomore or junior year. Vanderbilt will provide additional need-based financial aid to those Chancellor's Scholarship recipients whose demonstrated financial need exceeds the amount of full tuition. Scholarships are renewed each year as long as the recipient maintains at least a 3.0 GPA.

Application and Selection

The Chancellor's Scholarship application is strongly encouraged; preference is given to those who apply. Applicants apply via MyAppVU after submitting admission application. Chancellor 's Scholars are selected on the basis of commitment to diversity, leadership, strength of character, and academic achievement. Strong candidates are intellectually curious and able to articulate their ideas clearly. In evaluating candidates, the selection committee reviews the Chancellor's Scholarship application along with the entire application for first year admission.

Learn how to apply  for our signature scholarships, find more information about  other merit-based scholarships , and get answers to  frequently asked questions.