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VanderCook College of Music

Chicago, IL·Private·https://www.vandercook.edu/

Campus Identity

Lake LifeGraduate ProgramsVery Safe

VanderCook College of Music is a small private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Approximately 76 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 89% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Michigan, just 2 miles from the water. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 100/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

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At a Glance

VanderCook College of Music is a small private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Approximately 76 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 89% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Michigan, just 2 miles from the water. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 100/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

89%
Acceptance Rate
38 applications
Test Optional
Test Policy
No test scores required
$30,910
2024-25 Tuition
$19,780
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$14,008
Room & Board
21 meals/week
76
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
44%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
67%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity89% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.

Campus Lifestyle

VanderCook College of Music is a under 1,000, urban school. The campus is 24 miles from Four Lakes.

School Size & Setting

Under 1,000

Urban setting

Ski Access

24 miles

Four Lakes

Weather

Cold Climate

44°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

VanderCook College of Music students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Four Lakes, 24 miles away with 7 lifts and 9 skiable acres. All are within 55 miles of campus.

Four Lakes

Illinois

24 mi away
9 skiable acres7 lifts
33 mi away
15 skiable acres7 lifts
55 mi away
135 skiable acres11 lifts

Lake Life Campus

Lake Michigan is 2 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving VanderCook College of Music students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Lake Michigan

Lake access within 2.3 miles

2 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Chicago, IL

Chicago has a cool climate, with winters averaging 26°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.

26°Jan29°Feb38°Mar48°Apr58°May68°Jun74°Jul74°Aug67°Sep54°Oct43°Nov31°Dec

Station: CHICAGO NORTHERLY ISLAND · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

VanderCook College of Music in IL earns a composite safety score of 100/100, rated Very Safe among U.S. colleges.

100/100
Very Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety100100100
100/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
100/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
100/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$30,910
Fees
$2,130
Room & Board
$14,008
Total
$47,048
App Fee: $40
Meal Plan: 21 meals/week
$19,780avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

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Fields of Study

5 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject AreasMaster's
40 grads/yr
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject AreasBachelor's
7 grads/yr$52,671
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject AreasCertificate
3 grads/yr

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Bachelor's7 grads$52,671
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Master's40 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Certificate3 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Other
Music
Bachelor's grads

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is VanderCook College of Music located?

VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL. The main campus address is 3140 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at VanderCook College of Music?

VanderCook College of Music has an acceptance rate of 89%, making it accessible. Out of 38 applicants, 34 were admitted in the most recent year. 76 students enrolled.

How much does it cost to attend VanderCook College of Music?

For the 2024-25 academic year, VanderCook College of Music charges $30,910/year in tuition. Including room and board ($14,008/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $29,800/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,780/year — what students actually pay. Use VanderCook College of Music's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for VanderCook College of Music?

The undergraduate application fee at VanderCook College of Music is $40. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Is VanderCook College of Music the right fit for me?

Whether VanderCook College of Music is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (89% admit rate), avg net price ($19,780/year after aid), campus culture in Chicago, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh VanderCook College of Music against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with VanderCook College of Music directly for the most current information.

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Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Size
Under 1,000
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's
School Year Weather
Cold · 44°F avg
App Fee
$40
On Campus Safety Score
100/100
Nearest Airport
Chicago, IL (MDW) · 7 mialso ORD (17 mi), GYY (19 mi)

Location

Chicago, IL

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.