My two Bi-Racial daughters grew up out west and graduated from Vanderbilt University (one this May). They absolutely adore Vanderbilt. Once over dinner, the oldest told me Vanderbilt changed her life. At the youngest girl’s Graduation the oldest, who has her dream job in LA, said she wishes she could go back to Vanderbilt and the youngest exclaimed she doesn’t want to leave Nashville. They have so many close friends from so many different backgrounds.
Warning: If you really want a strong Greek culture, Vanderbilt today does not resemble the out-dated view from decades ago. In fact, Vanderbilt is one of the nations leaders with a strong contingency who want to abolish Greek Life. Google the NYTimes, Time Magazine, etc articles on the subject. Greek life is shrinking rapidly at Vanderbilt, and has a lower percentage than many northern universities, but the oldest did rush and was offered at all 3 of her top choices. She chose her top sorority, but after a year said she was so busy with other outside interests she had no time for it. The youngest didn’t bother joining a sorority, because she felt there were too many other interesting things to do with her time.