Private not-for-profit

Small

VanderCook College of Music SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.43

Acceptance Rate91.7%

VanderCook’s 91.7% acceptance rate means qualified music-focused applicants have real room to make a strong case. Aim to be at or above its 3.43 average GPA, and use the test-optional policy strategically by submitting SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your academic profile.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

VanderCook College of Music facts and stats

Quick Facts

VanderCook College of Music is a small urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 107 students. VanderCook has a freshman retention rate of 88%, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 67%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 5:1.

Location

Chicago, IL

Undergrad Enrollment107

Freshman Retention88%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio5:1

Graduation Rate67%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How does your GPA compare at VanderCook?

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Key VanderCook College of Music application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 12

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional VanderCook, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for a retake if needed, since fall retakes will be too late for the August 12 Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

VanderCook is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $30,910, with 50% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $7,250.

Tuition and Fees$30,910

Room and Board$14,008

Average Merit Award$7,250

Application Fee$40

Students on Aid50%

Average Aid Package$21,073

Average Debt at Grad$46,917

VanderCook’s estimated cost of attendance is about $44,918, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 50% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $21,073. Merit awards average $7,250, which can help reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $46,917.