EIU vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

EIU vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than VCM ($13,787 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 12.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,282 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 126% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $17,231 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.6% higher at VCM than at Eastern Illinois University (about $14,693 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Eastern Illinois University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 79.9% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($23,317 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 40 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 44.1% at VCM.

EIU vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $3,350 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($23,650 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($244 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EIU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 59%)

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.