Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.7%
- Retention Rate
- 66.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,863
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 4:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
VanderCook graduates enter the workforce with a 100% employment rate, though the financial picture tells a more complex story. The median debt of $27,000 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, meaning graduates owe about 56 cents for every dollar they earn annually. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume roughly 7% of typical graduate income, which is manageable but not trivial for music educators. Most alumni become K-12 music teachers or private instructors, careers known for modest but stable compensation. The median earnings of $47,863 after ten years reflect the realities of education salaries. While graduates find work reliably, the return on investment is average given the specialized career paths and income limitations inherent in music education.