Northern Illinois vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Northern 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: Northern Illinois University 15:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Northern Illinois vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University than VCM ($14,243 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 1.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($14,008 vs. $14,160).
• VanderCook College of Music is 133.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $17,662 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.3% higher at VCM than at Northern Illinois University (about $17,662 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 62.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($23,317 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Northern Illinois vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 61%)

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.