Rockford University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Rockford University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rockford University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 VanderCook College of Music than Rockford University ($21,306 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 18.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,420 vs. $14,008).
• Rockford University is 22.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,870 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.2% higher at Rockford University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,870 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 10.1% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($25,671 vs. $23,317).

Rockford University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 70 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Rockford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Rockford University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 60%)

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.