Vanderbilt University
Cost of Attendance Breakdown
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $57,889 |
| Tuition & Fees | $34,933 |
| Living Expenses | $22,956 |
| Books, Supplies & Other | $0 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Graduate) | −$20,500 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $37,389 |
Cover Your $37,389/yr Gap
Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) students typically need $37,389 in private loans over 1 year to bridge the gap between federal aid and cost of attendance.
We research and compare lenders so you don’t have to. Rates verified as of January 2026.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to lender products. Rates shown are not guaranteed and depend on creditworthiness, cosigner status, and loan terms. Check with individual lenders for current rates.
What This Means for You
Large gap — private loans likely required
At $37,389/year ($37,389 total), the funding gap for Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) is substantial. Most students in this situation use a combination of private loans, institutional aid, and personal resources.
- Shop private loans carefully — a cosigner can significantly reduce your rate
- Ask Vanderbilt University about institutional scholarships, especially merit-based awards
- Consider whether a funded alternative (research/teaching assistantship) exists in your field
- File FAFSA early to maximize eligibility for any need-based institutional aid
Need help navigating financial aid? Start with FAFSA
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the graduate annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $100,000 for graduate students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for Vanderbilt University?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($20,500/year for graduate programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) is $57,889 per year. Over the full 1-year program, the total cost is $57,889.
What is the funding gap for Vanderbilt University Law (LLM)?
The annual funding gap is $37,389, calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance ($57,889) and the federal loan cap ($20,500). This is below the national median of $53,584 for Law (LLM) programs.
Is Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) classified as graduate or professional?
Vanderbilt University Law (LLM) (MLS) is classified as graduate under 34 CFR § 668.2. This means the annual federal loan cap is $20,500/year, with an aggregate limit of $100,000. Note: Some law programs (e.g., LLM, MSL) are classified as graduate — not professional — meaning the lower $20,500 cap applies, not the $50,000 JD cap.
Related Articles
What the OBBBA Means for Graduate Students
The 2026 law eliminates Grad PLUS loans and sets a $20,500/year cap. Here's what changes and what doesn't.
Read more →How to Fund the Gap Without Grad PLUS
Scholarships, assistantships, private loans, and employer programs — a practical guide to covering unfunded costs.
Read more →Private Student Loans: What to Know in 2026
Credit requirements, cosigner impact, and how to compare rates across lenders.
Read more →Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- Cost of attendance: Sourced from Vanderbilt University’s official tuition and fees page for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Federal loan caps: Defined by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21, Title VIII, Subtitle B, Section 81001, amending 20 U.S.C. § 1087e(a), paragraph 4(A)(i).
- IPEDS data: Institutional characteristics from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (NCES), Unit ID: 221999.
- Program classification: MLS is classified as graduate per 34 CFR § 668.2, with an annual federal loan cap of $20,500.
Methodology
- Funding gap = Cost of Attendance − Federal Loan Cap. Negative values are reported as $0.
- Cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses (housing, food, books, transportation, personal).
- Rankings compare programs within the same degree type nationally, sorted by annual funding gap from lowest to highest.
- Default COA assumes full-time enrollment, out-of-state residency (where applicable), no scholarships or grants, and no prior federal debt.
Data last updated: January 2026. Effective date for OBBBA loan caps: July 1, 2026.