GSU vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Governors State 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: Governors State University 11:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

GSU vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU 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 Governors State University than VCM ($12,756 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 16.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,736 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 157.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $18,906 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 157.5% higher at VCM than at Governors State University (about $18,906 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 103.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($23,317 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU 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 GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 80 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; 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: GSU - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.9 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 44.1% at VCM.

GSU vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 48%)

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.