VanderCook College of Music
Financial Aid Resources
Resources to help you get started
FinAid is a basic guide to federal financial aid programs (including loans and grants). A free scholarship search is also available at this site.
The Federal Trade Commission website shares information about scholarship scams.
College Zone is sponsored by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and contains information on how to plan and pay for college. Specific information is provided on grants, scholarships and loans. This is an excellent resource for students and parents who are starting to explore student financial aid options.
2025-2026 FAFSA Available December 1st
The 2025-26 FAFSA is now available. VanderCook College of Music encourages students to submit an application as soon as possible now that the 2025-26 FAFSA has been made available.
To prepare, if you have not done so already, create an Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID now. Each student and contributor will need their own FSA ID. Taxes required for the 2025-26 FAFSA are based on 2023 tax information.
FAFSA: Students and parents can file the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. A FAFSA is required to receive both federal and state grants, as well as student loans and some VanderCook aid. Click HERE to start your FAFSA application.
Free scholarship search sites
The Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers
The Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program grants loan forgiveness up to $5,000 for qualifying borrowers. It also allows for forbearance of repayment during the 5-year teaching period leading up to loan forgiveness. More information is available on-line at:
Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program
For an application and complete information call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-4-FEDAID (800.433.3243).
If you have any questions or would like additional information about financial aid at VanderCook College of Music, please contact:
Director of Financial Aid
VanderCook College of Music
3140 S. Federal St.
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Ph: 312.788.1137
or send an email to [email protected]
