VanderCook College of Music
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$123,640
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,704/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
73%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
VanderCook College of Music has a high acceptance rate of 97.3% and a small student body of 70 students. The graduation rate is 52.8%, with a retention rate of 66.7%. The annual tuition cost is $30,910, and 50% of students receive financial aid.
Graduates' earnings one year after graduation are $43,054. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,704, and after ten years, earnings reach $47,863. The median debt for graduates is $27,000.
Based on the provided data, the one-year earnings exceed the annual tuition cost by $12,144. The median debt of $27,000 would be paid off in less than a year based on the difference between tuition and earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$30,910
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,704
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
50%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Peer Comparison
73%
20yr ROI
154%
20yr ROI
13%
20yr ROI
-13%
20yr ROI
78%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.