Research.com
VanderCook College of Music logo

VanderCook College of Music

3140 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3731, USA

VanderCook College of Music award
VanderCook College of Music award
US ranking
position: 674
Tuition & fees per year: $31,840
Acceptance rate: 97.00%
Median alumni salary: $43,054
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does VanderCook College of Music offer in terms of athletics?

VanderCook College of Music does not provide athletic programs or sports teams as part of its campus offerings. The institution concentrates primarily on music education, focusing on preparing students for careers in music teaching and musicianship rather than collegiate athletics. Prospective students interested in pursuing sports or athletic activities may need to explore opportunities outside the college itself since VanderCook's curriculum and extracurricular activities are centered around musical disciplines.

What student groups and Associations are available at VanderCook College of Music?

VanderCook College of Music offers its students opportunities to engage with several prominent national music organizations. Among these are the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the National Band Association (NBA), and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). These affiliations provide students access to professional networks and resources tailored to various music education and performance disciplines.

Approximately 36% of men and 31% of women at VanderCook College of Music participate in social organizations related to their field of study. This involvement reflects a considerable proportion of the student body actively seeking community and professional development beyond the classroom.

Who studies at VanderCook College of Music?

VanderCook College of Music has a relatively small student body, with freshmen numbering 17 and transfer students totaling just 3, resulting in a combined enrollment of 20 new students-figures that place the college in the lower 30th percentile compared to similar institutions. This suggests a more intimate academic environment that may appeal to students seeking personalized attention and smaller cohorts.

The student population spans a diverse range of ages. Among undergraduates, the majority are young adults aged 18 to 21, though there is also meaningful representation from older age brackets, including those in their 20s and 40s. Graduate students tend to be older, predominantly between 25 and 49 years old, with notable numbers even in the 50 to 64 age group and a small number above 65, highlighting the college's appeal to non-traditional and returning learners.

Regarding ethnic diversity, the college has moderate representation across several groups. Hispanic students constitute 23% of the population, African American students make up 6%, and Asian students represent 2%. White students comprise 30%, while those identifying with two or more races account for 7%. These figures indicate a diverse student body, though certain groups are present at levels lower than many other institutions.

Data on in-state versus out-of-state enrollment, native or Pacific Islander populations, and the number of foreign countries represented are not available, leaving some gaps in the complete demographic picture. However, the available information paints a picture of a college characterized by small enrollments, a wide age range especially among graduate students, and a modest level of racial and ethnic diversity.

How does student life look like at VanderCook College of Music?

Student life at VanderCook College of Music features a small and intimate campus environment with a total enrollment of approximately 340 students, placing it in the lower 30% for school size. The college maintains a notably low student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1, which ranks in the bottom 5%, suggesting personalized attention and closer interaction between students and faculty.

The campus supports several student activities including a campus newspaper and a campus radio station, offering outlets for student expression and involvement. However, there are no campus drama productions, band, chorus, or television activities available. Students have access to health-related services such as a health clinic and psychological counseling, which contribute to supporting their well-being throughout their studies.

The college has a relatively small full-time degree-seeking population of 17 students, with a larger proportion of men than women, reflecting the overall size and composition of the student body. Although VanderCook College of Music does not have a veterans affairs office or a women's center, its focus remains on fostering a supportive educational setting tailored to music students.

What libraries are available to students at VanderCook College of Music?

VanderCook College of Music offers access to two libraries, including its main facility, the Harry Ruppel Memorial Library. The college maintains an average number of library facilities compared to similar institutions, with one additional library beyond the main collection.

The resources available include approximately 17,383 physical books, placing the college in the lower 40% percentile for print holdings. Digital resources also tend to be limited; there are 661 digital subscriptions and 1,659 ebooks, which rank particularly low, in about the bottom 20% for ebooks.

Students benefit from access to 105 subscription resources and eight databases, though these too fall in the lower to average range.

The libraries provide physical and digital access with established hours and trained staff to assist users. Although there is no all-day access, students can utilize study rooms and take advantage of access to shared collections, helping to extend the range of available resources.

Weekly service hours total around 52, offering regular support for research and study within the library facilities.

VanderCook College of Music Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

340

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

17

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

25 full time, 92 part time

Veterans affair office

No

VanderCook College of Music Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Harry Ruppel Memorial Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

VanderCook College of Music Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

VanderCook College of Music Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

VanderCook College of Music Location & Map

Recently Published Articles