D
Below Average
Score: 43/100
Overall (traditional)
F
Outcome Rating
34/100 · earnings-weighted

VanderCook College of Music

4-Year Private Non-Profit
📍 Chicago, Illinois 60616
ℹ️
Rating Context: This institution has fewer than 500 students. Smaller schools may show more rating variability due to limited data points.

Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (C+) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 47%
Outcomes
C+
64/100
Affordability
F
27/100
Resources
C+
59/100
Experience
D
43/100
Prestige
F
17/100

Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology

Quick Stats

340
Total Enrollment
47%
Graduation Rate
67%
Retention Rate
4.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
97%
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Avg Net Price

Earnings, Debt & Completion

What happens to students who enroll at VanderCook College of Music, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.

$47,863
Median earnings 10 yrs after entry
$45,704
Median earnings 6 yrs after entry
$27,000
Median debt at graduation
66.7%
Completion rate (within 150% of normal time)
26.3%
Students receiving Pell grants

Typical debt at graduation equals about 56% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.

Earnings rank: 20th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (IL wage index 1.04). This drives the Outcome Rating.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.

Earnings by Major at VanderCook College of Music

Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.

Major1 yr after4 yrs aftervs. nationalRank (pay)Rank (wage-adj.)Median debt
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$43,100$52,671+2%#128 of 345#201$27,000

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.

For parents & investors

The VanderCook College of Music Town Property Report

  • Avg home value near campus: $346,649
  • Avg rent near campus: $1,858/mo
  • Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 60602 (6.8% cap, Chicago)

Get the free 1-page report: rent-vs-dorm math, the 3 best nearby ZIPs by yield, and the “kiddie condo” strategy parents use.

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Costs & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $28,640 $28,640

Financial Aid

100%
Receive Any Aid
58%
Receive Pell Grants
75%
Take Out Loans
N/A
Avg Net Price

Student Demographics

340
Total Students
51%
Women
89%
Traditional Age (18-24)

👥 Race & Ethnicity

White 74%
Hispanic 12%
Black 4%
Asian 2%
Two or More 2%
Non-Resident 3%

🏠 Living Arrangements

💻 Learning Mode

In-Person 36%
Hybrid (Some Online) 3%
Fully Online 61%

📊 Age Distribution

18-24 (Traditional) 89%
25-64 (Adult) 11%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at VanderCook College of Music?
VanderCook College of Music has an acceptance rate of 97%. This indicates a less selective admissions process with good chances for qualified applicants.
How much does it cost to attend VanderCook College of Music?
Tuition at VanderCook College of Music is $28,640 for in-state students and $28,640 for out-of-state students .
What is the graduation rate at VanderCook College of Music?
The graduation rate at VanderCook College of Music is 47%. This graduation rate is below average. Consider factors like program type and student demographics when evaluating.
Is VanderCook College of Music a good school?
VanderCook College of Music has a Repit College Score of 43/100 (Grade: D). Our rating evaluates five key factors:
  • Outcomes (C+): Graduation and retention rates
  • Affordability (F): Net cost and financial aid access
  • Resources (C+): Class sizes and selectivity
  • Experience (D): Campus life and learning format
  • Prestige (F): Reputation and recognition
Note: As a smaller institution, we recommend focusing on the Outcomes score when evaluating this school.
How many students attend VanderCook College of Music?
VanderCook College of Music has a total enrollment of 340 students. Most students (89%) are traditional college-age (18-24).

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🎓 Similar Colleges to VanderCook College of Music

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Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology