Lewis University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Lewis University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (7,011 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis University is located in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Lewis 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: Lewis University 13:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Lewis University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis 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 Lewis University than VCM ($18,959 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis University are 13.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,140 vs. $14,008).
• Lewis University is 26.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $8,290 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at Lewis University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $8,290 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University as at VanderCook College of Music (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 23.2% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($28,717 vs. $23,317).

Lewis University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis University (1090) is 60 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Lewis 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: Lewis University 960/1210; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 20/27; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis University - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Lewis University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Lewis University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Lewis University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis 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).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $2,375 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 66%)

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.