Judson University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Judson University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (960 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Judson 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: Judson University 10:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Judson University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson 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 Judson University than VCM ($18,673 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Judson University are 12.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,320 vs. $14,008).
• Judson University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $450 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Judson University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $450 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Judson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 3% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($24,024 vs. $23,317).

Judson University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Judson University 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 Judson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 60 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Judson University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Judson University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Judson University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson University 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).

• Judson University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Judson 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.