Aurora University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 323 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Aurora University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or VCM? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Aurora University than VCM ($19,053 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aurora University are 3.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,580 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $1,740 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at VCM than at Aurora University (about $1,740 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($23,317 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or VCM? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VCM and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is the same as at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aurora University 900/1150; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aurora University 21/29; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Aurora University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Aurora University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and VCM? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• VanderCook College of Music's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University have median earnings of about $42,900 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for VCM.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.