Loyola vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Loyola University Chicago is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (17,384 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loyola University Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Loyola University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loyola University Chicago 13:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Loyola vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loyola 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 Loyola ($21,306 vs. $39,147).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 17.6% lower than at Loyola University Chicago ($14,008 vs. $17,010).
• Loyola University Chicago is 73.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $22,800 more per year; $53,710.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.8% higher at Loyola than at VanderCook College of Music (about $22,800 more per year; $53,710.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Loyola University Chicago (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loyola University Chicago students is 23.6% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($28,816 vs. $23,317).

Loyola vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loyola 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 Loyola.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Loyola University Chicago (1270) is 240 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Loyola students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 1170/1360; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 27/32; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loyola - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Loyola students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Loyola (81.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at Loyola vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Loyola vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loyola 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).

• Loyola University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Loyola University Chicago graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Loyola graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Loyola graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.