Peabody College was founded in 1875 as the State Normal College in Nashville, Tennessee, and later renamed George Peabody College for Teachers in honor of philanthropist George Peabody. For nearly a century, it operated as an independent institution dedicated to teacher training and educational research. In 1979, Peabody merged with Vanderbilt University, becoming one of its ten schools and colleges while maintaining its distinctive identity and mission focused on education and human development.
Peabody College consistently ranks as the #1 graduate school of education in the United States and is renowned for its research in child development, educational policy, special education, and learning sciences. The college offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strength in preparing teacher-scholars, educational leaders, and researchers who shape policy and practice. Its faculty are internationally recognized for groundbreaking work in areas such as early childhood education, school leadership, and educational equity, with substantial federal research funding supporting innovative studies.
Students at Peabody benefit from a close-knit community within the larger Vanderbilt ecosystem, combining the resources of a major research university with the personalized attention of a specialized college. The historic Peabody campus, with its distinctive architecture and tree-lined walkways, provides an intimate setting where students engage in hands-on clinical experiences, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary research. The college culture emphasizes social justice, evidence-based practice, and preparing professionals who can make meaningful impact in education, child development, and human services fields.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Founded | 1875 |
| Total students | 1,800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 7% |
| Graduation rate | 93% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
| In-state tuition | $60,348 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $60,348 |
| Room & board | $19,496 |
| Average financial aid | $58,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
| SAT range | 1460-1560 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.90 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.