VanderCook College of Music
VCM
Chicago, Illinois 60616-3731
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
1.4%/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%
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.
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
Estimated from IL state average + large city premium