Vanderbilt's star is rising. It was ranked #14 in 2025 then #12 in 2026, though whether it has the staying power to break into the established 'T14' has yet to be determined. Unlike the hometowns of other middle-of-the-country programs, Nashville has a touch of genuine national allure. Vanderbilt Law got a new dean in 2025 who is likely to shape and strengthen the reputation of the school. This is one to watch.

Vanderbilt is a cusp school, one of those programs always jockeying to break into the T14 club. You'll probably apply to Vanderbilt if you're set on Big Law and want a slightly less competitive option or if you want to attend one of the best law schools in the South. Apart from an established corporate law pathway, Vandy is particularly excellent for criminal law. Only about a fifth of students stay in Tennessee, with the rest truly scattering to the four winds. Combined with a fairly limited class size, it means that you can typically find a small but passionate Vanderbilt Law network wherever you go.

Nashville is Nashville -- if you want to live there, you probably already know why. For those outside the music scene, it's a livable, moderately hip interior city. People enjoy their time there.