Judson University vs. Cleveland Institute of Music

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, IL with Cleveland Institute of Music in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Judson University is larger than Cleveland Institute of Music based on total student enrollment (960 students vs. 293 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Cleveland Institute of Music is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland Institute of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Cleveland Institute of Music 6:1.

Judson University vs. Cleveland Institute of Music Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson University or Cleveland Institute of Music? 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 Judson University than Cleveland Institute of Music ($18,673 vs. $29,683).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Judson University are 25.8% lower than at Cleveland Institute of Music ($12,320 vs. $16,600).
• Cleveland Institute of Music is 68.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Judson University (about $21,520 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.6% higher at Cleveland Institute of Music than at Judson University (about $21,520 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cleveland Institute of Music than at Judson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleveland Institute of Music students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Judson University students ($31,191 vs. $24,024).

Judson University vs. Cleveland Institute of Music Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Judson University or Cleveland Institute of Music? 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 Cleveland Institute of Music and Judson University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Cleveland Institute of Music - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland Institute of Music Dec 1, 2026.
• Judson University has a higher acceptance rate (47.6%) than Cleveland Institute of Music (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 14.9% at Cleveland Institute of Music.

Judson University vs. Cleveland Institute of Music Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson University and Cleveland Institute of Music? 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).

• Cleveland Institute of Music's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Judson University's (49%).
• Graduates from Cleveland Institute of Music earn a median of about $400 more per year than Judson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Cleveland Institute of Music graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleveland Institute of Music graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Cleveland Institute of Music graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Judson University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.