VanderCook College of Music : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About VanderCook College of Music
Known for its deep focus on preparing music teachers, VanderCook College of Music offers an immersive, hands-on education where performance, conducting, pedagogy, and music technology live side by side. Faculty mentorship is direct, rehearsals are constant, and learning often spills into real school classrooms. Students work in well-equipped rehearsal spaces, individual practice rooms, recording and tech labs, and a focused music library, with advising, tutoring, wellness, and career guidance close at hand.
The campus culture feels collaborative and down-to-earth, with ensembles, recitals, student-led projects, and clinics shaping daily life. Career preparation leans on practical teaching experiences and ties to local schools, arts groups, and a tight alumni community of working music educators. Chicago adds the rest: symphony halls, jazz rooms, neighborhood festivals, the lakefront. A distinctive thread runs through it all: a community that learns by doing and keeps the music purposeful.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at VanderCook College of Music with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Illinois. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Education (3)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1312
Music Teacher Education.
(Assoc, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $71,380 | -$7,120 (-9.1%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $59,660 | -$10,380 (-14.8%) |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $60,720 | -$12,980 (-17.6%) |
Arts (1)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0912
Music Pedagogy.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 27-2042 | Musicians and Singers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about VanderCook College of Music
How much does it cost to attend VanderCook College of Music?
The annual tuition at VanderCook College of Music is $30,910 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $32,110 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,500 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does VanderCook College of Music offer?
VanderCook College of Music offers 7 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for VanderCook College of Music?
VanderCook College of Music has an 97.3% acceptance rate and a 47.2% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 37
- Students admitted: 36
- Students enrolled: 17
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at VanderCook College of Music?
VanderCook College of Music provides financial aid to 13% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $22,249 and average loans of $8,358.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,409
- State/Local grants: $6,610
- Institutional grants: $15,014
- Federal loans: $5,393
The university supports 12 students with grants and 9 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for VanderCook College of Music graduates?
VanderCook College of Music graduates earn a median salary of $45,704 after 6 years and $47,863 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $30,624 (25th percentile) to $64,978 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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