VanderCook College of Music
VanderCook College of Music has an acceptance rate of 89.5%, an average net price of $21,556, and an overall rank of #560 (Grade B+). About 49.2% of students graduate within 150% of normal time (two-year average), and median earnings are $55,431 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
VanderCook College of Music is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Academically, students benefit from a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, and 88.2% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 51.4%, roughly 1.5 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is VanderCook College of Music Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
VanderCook College of Music graduates 49.2% of students within 150% of normal time (two-year average; the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 57.1% and keeps 88.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use VanderCook College of Music's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $23,672 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $31,840 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,402 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,228 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 38.3% of VanderCook College of Music students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,737 to $27,348 depending on family income. Use VanderCook College of Music's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,209/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,348/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $55,431
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,590
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $21,750
- Debt-to-Earnings ~39.2%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 62.5%
- Employment Rate 95.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for VanderCook College of Music graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
VanderCook College of Music vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how VanderCook College of Music's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes VanderCook College of Music's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: VanderCook College of Music graduates earn $55,431 median five years after graduation, 10% below the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 76
- Full-Time Students 94.7%
- Part-Time Students 5.3%
- Retention Rate 88.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 49.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 57.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 5:1
How to Get Into VanderCook College of Music
1. Meet Academic Requirements: VanderCook College of Music requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.5%, VanderCook College of Music is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.5% acceptance rate, VanderCook College of Music is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among VanderCook College of Music undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Music draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 100.0%
- Music 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $55,328
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for VanderCook College of Music. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 3 graduates)
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 0 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 76
- Full-Time Students 94.7%
- Part-Time Students 5.3%
- Male Students 53.9%
- Female Students 46.1%
- Caucasian 42.1%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 36.8%
- Black 7.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects VanderCook College of Music's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of VanderCook College of Music's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at VanderCook College of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: VanderCook College of Music has a diverse student body, with 42.1% identifying as White.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at VanderCook College of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
VanderCook College of Music offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 51.4% ROI. Ranked #560 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,556 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $55,431 median earnings. With 49.2% graduating within 150% of normal time and 88.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: VanderCook College of Music's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #560 ranking, VanderCook College of Music competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,556 annually, VanderCook College of Music charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 88.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,089 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 51.4% ROI and $55,431 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,556+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: VanderCook College of Music ranks #560 of 1955 institutions, with 1333 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 49.2% graduation rate sits 13.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.2% first-year retention is 11.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 51.4% return on investment is 1.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,431 run about 10% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $21,556 is roughly $1,675 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 95.6% employment rate within three years sits 27.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,556 is about $1,675 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 38.3% trails the national share by 0.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- 44.9% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
VanderCook College of Music is a private nonprofit university based in Chicago, IL and earns a B+ overall grade. It holds a #560 overall ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support A-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
88.2% of learners come back after year one while 49.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (57.1% within eight years). The reported ROI is 51.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,556 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,228.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,672 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $55,431 five years after graduation. This is roughly 10% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 95.6%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 51.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the VanderCook College of Music admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). VanderCook College of Music: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/vandercook-college-of-music/
MLA (9th): “VanderCook College of Music: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/vandercook-college-of-music/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “VanderCook College of Music: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/vandercook-college-of-music/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is VanderCook College of Music's acceptance rate?
VanderCook College of Music's acceptance rate is 89.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does VanderCook College of Music cost?
At VanderCook College of Music, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $21,556 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $45,228 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $31,840. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is VanderCook College of Music's ranking?
VanderCook College of Music ranks #560 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is VanderCook College of Music's graduation rate?
At VanderCook College of Music, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 49.2% (two-year average; the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 57.1%, and first-year retention is 88.2%.
What are VanderCook College of Music's job outcomes?
Graduates of VanderCook College of Music report median earnings of $55,431 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is VanderCook College of Music's student population?
VanderCook College of Music enrolls about 76 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 3140 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3731
- Website www.vandercook.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$410,793