La Sierra University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

La Sierra University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,574 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• La Sierra 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: La Sierra University 12:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

La Sierra University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra 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 VanderCook College of Music than La Sierra University ($21,306 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 4.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,431 vs. $14,008).
• La Sierra University is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,800 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22% higher at La Sierra University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,800 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at La Sierra University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 18.6% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($27,646 vs. $23,317).

La Sierra University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 20 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at VCM (3.1).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

La Sierra University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra 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).

• VanderCook College of Music's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, VanderCook College of Music graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($27,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, VCM graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($279 vs. $310).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 52%)

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.