Northeastern Illinois University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois 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.

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois 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 Northeastern Illinois University than VCM ($14,140 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 25.8% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,390 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 149.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $18,527 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36% higher at VCM than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $8,184 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 81.1% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($23,317 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois 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 Northeastern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 120 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Northeastern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern Illinois University students have the same average high school GPA (3.1) as students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois 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 Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 56%)

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.