Campus Vibe
Close-knit campus — excellent value
VanderCook College of Music is a private urban institution in Chicago, Illinois. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 70 undergraduates with a 4:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
47% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,863 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,094.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
VanderCook College of Music Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
50.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$27,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
0
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (3)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
67%
- •67% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History VanderCook Cornet School (later VanderCook College of Music) was founded in 1909 by Hale Ascher VanderCook (1864–1949) to train professional musicians, directors and teachers.
- •The year 1909 is given as the founding date of VanderCook College because, in that year, Mr.
- •Weldon (1862–1914) was one of the most famous brass instrument teachers in the Mid-West.
- •For several years this work was given by individual lessons, but in 1926 classes in various subjects were organized.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average