Milikin vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Millikin University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,586 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Millikin University is located in Decatur, IL (Small City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Millikin 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: Millikin University 10:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Milikin vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Milikin 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 Milikin ($21,306 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Millikin University are 2.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,695 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Milikin (about $4,018 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at VCM than at Millikin University (about $4,018 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,892.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University as at VanderCook College of Music (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 49% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($34,733 vs. $23,317).

Milikin vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Milikin 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 Milikin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at Milikin (1000).
• Incoming Milikin students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 860/1130; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 18/25; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Milikin - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Milikin students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Milikin (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10% at Milikin vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Milikin vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Milikin 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).

• Millikin University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, VanderCook College of Music and Milikin graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, VanderCook College of Music and Milikin graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Milikin 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.