VanderCook College of Music

VanderCook College of Music Financial Aid

Students who are applying for financial aid at VanderCook College of Music need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.

The FAFSA code for VanderCook College of Music is 001778.

If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

Using State Grants at VanderCook College of Music

Illinois residents considering VanderCook College of Music should be sure to look into the MAP program. In-state students who demonstrate financial need can qualify for MAP grant money from the state as long as the program is on the list of approved colleges. The program can pay up to $8,400 per year towards your education. Approved schools include both public and private options.

Pell Grants at VanderCook College of Music

29% of students at VanderCook College of Music receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to VanderCook College of Music.

You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

Outside Scholarships

VanderCook College of Music students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for college students
• Scholarship database

VanderCook College of Music Financial Aid Resources

If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at VanderCook College of Music or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!

Here’s how you can get in touch:

• Website: https://www.vandercook.edu/financial-aid-resources/
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 312-788-1146

Is VanderCook College of Music test-optional?

VanderCook College of Music is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

What is the graduation rate at VanderCook College of Music?

57% of students who start at VanderCook College of Music end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 1% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

How much do graduates of VanderCook College of Music go on to earn?

10 years after starting school at VanderCook College of Music, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $47,863. This is $2,528 less than the national median.

Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

How much do students at VanderCook College of Music take out in loans?

Graduates of VanderCook College of Music have to take out a median of $27,000 in federal student loans. This is $13,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.