All applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards upon submitting an online application. Selection criteria include academic, professional, and personal achievements and potential for excellence in a management career, as demonstrated by length and quality of post-baccalaureate work experience, GPA, GMAT scores, and the admissions interview.
Applicants with strong profiles, based on our selection criteria, may be awarded a scholarship. These scholarships can range from $5,000 per year to full tuition. The average scholarship award for recent recipients was approximately half of tuition. Scholarships are renewed automatically for the second year as long as the recipient maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA in the first year.
Dean’s Scholars
Each year the Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management offers the Dean’s Scholar award to less than 10 members of the entering class. The Dean’s Scholars are selected based on their vast experiences, personal attributes, and commitment to excellence that will drive them to effectively lead, serve and implement positive change in the Vanderbilt Owen community. Dean’s Scholars are expected to strengthen the value of the program and inspire their classmates to excel. Exceptional candidates who currently reside in the continental U.S. are considered for this prestigious award which includes additional scholarship dollars above that which is awarded with an offer of admission. Priority is given to those who apply by our January deadline, as participation in Dean's Scholar Weekend is mandatory to be considered. There is not a separate application process; the Admissions Committee will nominate applicants based on the application for admission to the MBA program.
Approximately, 20 admitted applicants with outstanding academic credentials, significant post-baccalaureate experience, well-defined career goals, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and strong leadership potential will be nominated and invited to participate in the annual Dean’s Scholars’ Weekend. The awards are typically based on a variety of activities such as classroom discussions, interviews, and presentations during the Weekend.
During the school year, Dean’s Scholars are invited to special programming and regularly scheduled sessions with senior management. While it is an honor to be a recipient of the Dean’s Scholar award, it is also a commitment; Dean’s Scholars are expected to participate in activities, not open to the general student body, to work with administration to improve the school community.
Dean’s Scholars receive a full-tuition scholarship and these unparalleled opportunities:
1. Leave a legacy by serving as a sounding board for the Dean on strategic initiatives
2. Receive unmatched access to key alumni, board members, corporate visitors and speakers during special events
3. Enjoy special programming, including retreats and dinners with fellow Dean’s Scholars, the Dean, faculty and administration
4. Receive paid travel with the Dean or administration on key recruiting or admissions visits, or partial sponsorship of an international trip
5. And much more!
Diversity and Named Scholarships
To enhance the educational experience of all students, we seek to increase diversity in the student body. In addition to general scholarships and the Dean’s Scholars awards, incoming students may be selected for diversity scholarships and/or named scholarships and awards. The Admissions Committee nominates or selects outstanding incoming students for the awards listed below. Only the “Diversity Scholarship – Women” and the “Diversity Scholarship – Underrepresented Minorities” require a candidate to submit an essay.
Diversity Scholarship – European Citizenship
We offer up to two scholarships ranging from $18,000 to full tuition awarded to a citizen of a European country based on the degree to which the individual demonstrates how he/she can enhance the learning experience of other students in the Vanderbilt MBA program. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by our January application deadline.
Diversity Scholarship – Latin American Citizenship
We offer up to two scholarships ranging from $18,000 to full tuition awarded to a citizen of a Latin American country based on the degree to which the individual demonstrates how he/she can enhance the learning experience of other students in the Vanderbilt MBA program. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by our January application deadline.
Diversity Scholarship – Underrepresented Minorities
We offer up to three scholarships ranging from $18,000 to full tuition awarded based on the degree to which an individual demonstrates how he/she has supported the academic, personal or professional advancement of underrepresented minorities (individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and are of African American, American Indian, Hispanic American, or Pacific Island American descent). To be considered, you must submit an essay (no more than 250 words) describing the most relevant experience that qualifies you for this award. The essay may be submitted along with the other essays in the online application. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by our January application deadline.
Diversity Scholarship – Women
We offer up to three scholarships ranging from $18,000 to full tuition awarded based on the degree to which an individual demonstrates how he/she has supported the academic, personal or professional advancement of women. To be considered, you must submit an essay (no more than 250 words) describing the most relevant experience that qualifies you for this award. The essay may be submitted along with the other essays in the online application. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by our January application deadline.
Amy Jorgensen Scholarship
Endowed by the Founder’s Medalist from the Class of 1977, this scholarship is awarded to a woman with outstanding academic credentials.
Anderson Family Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2000, honors the longtime support of the Anderson family and their affiliation with the Owen Graduate School of Management.
Douglas W. Binns Memorial Scholar
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding marketing student.
Edna B. Morris and John A. Morris Scholarships
These endowed scholarships honor early leaders in the investment industry and recognize individuals for academic excellence.
James R Gordon Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student studying electronic commerce.
J. C. Bradford Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding first-year student.
Martin S. Geisel Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2000 in memory of former Dean Marty Geisel, is awarded to a student from Latin America.
Oehmig Scholarship
Funded by Owen alumnus Billy Oehmig, this award is given to a student who has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and an interest in entrepreneurial ventures.
Ralph Owen Jr. Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1996 through the Owen bequest in memory of the son of Ralph and Lulu Owen.
Melinda Owen Bass Scholarship
This award, also established in 1996, honors the daughter of Ralph and Lulu Owen.
Tse-Liang Soong Scholarship
This scholarship was established in honor of a Vanderbilt undergraduate, Class of ’21, and is awarded to an outstanding student studying international finance.
Victor and Gayle Mavar Scholarship
Established in 2004 by Victor and Gayle Mavar and Geoffrey Mavar (MBA 1990) to enhance the special support given to students with learning disabilities.
Webb Follin Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2004, was made possible by Rush Stuart Dickson III (MBA 1978) to honor the contributions made by Webb Follin as one of the early community supporters of the Owen School. Follin worked at Corroon and Black as an insurance broker and gave his time as an adjunct professor at Owen.
Wigginton Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Matt Wigginton, one of the founders of the Owen Graduate School of Management, and is awarded to a top finance student.
Wilbert E. Chope Memorial Scholarship
The widow and son of Bert Chope, an alumnus of the School of Engineering and founder of Industrial Nucleonics, endowed this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding first-year student with an engineering background.
William Walker Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding first-year student with an interest in entrepreneurship.
In addition, there are several student awards presented at Commencement.
