Concordia University Chicago vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Concordia University Chicago is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago than VCM ($19,073 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 17.8% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,510 vs. $14,008).
• Concordia University Chicago is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,578 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,578 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Concordia University Chicago (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 13.1% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($26,361 vs. $23,317).

Concordia University Chicago vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or VCM? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VCM and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Concordia University Chicago (1090) is 60 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Concordia University Chicago students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Concordia University Chicago students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Concordia University Chicago vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and VCM? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have a $2,049 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,951 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 57%)

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.