Southern Illinois University vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than VCM ($13,473 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 11.9% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,341 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 131.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $17,576 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.8% higher at VCM than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $17,576 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 71.3% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($23,317 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. VCM Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is the same as at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University 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: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Southern Illinois University vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 51%)

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.