VanderCook College of Music
VanderCook College of Music — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
VanderCook College of Music at a Glance
VanderCook College of Music is a private music school in Chicago, Illinois. It is the only college in the United States specializing solely in the training of music educators. Students may pursue bachelor's and master's degrees. The college is located in a Mies van der Rohe building on the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). VanderCook is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the National Association of Schools of Music.
1909
117 years old
110
1 acres
Identity
Is VanderCook College of Music Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, VanderCook College of Music is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,863 — 11% below average — while paying $19,780/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at VanderCook College of Music has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
Best Programs at VanderCook College of Music
The highest-earning program at VanderCook College of Music is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $34,400/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate from VanderCook College of Music earns $34,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $34,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduates carry $28,875 in median debt vs. $28,875 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,780/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $34,400 | $34,400 | $28,875 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 76 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,780
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,863