North Park University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

North Park University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Park University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• North Park 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: North Park University 12:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

North Park University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park 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 North Park University than VCM ($20,372 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 20.8% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,090 vs. $14,008).
• North Park University is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $5,800 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at North Park University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $5,800 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Park University as at VanderCook College of Music (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 5% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($24,476 vs. $23,317).

North Park University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Park University (1030) is the same as at VCM (1030).
• Incoming North Park 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: North Park University 890/1162; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Park University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

North Park University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park 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).

• North Park University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Park University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Park University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.