University of Illinois Springfield vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

University of Illinois Springfield is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (4,628 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Springfield is located in Springfield, IL (Midsize City setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• University of Illinois Springfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Springfield 13:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Illinois Springfield 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 University of Illinois Springfield than VCM ($10,809 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Illinois Springfield are 12.6% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,242 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 152.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Illinois Springfield (about $18,658 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $12,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.4% higher at VCM than at University of Illinois Springfield (about $8,893 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $22,017.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at University of Illinois Springfield (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 59% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Springfield students ($23,317 vs. $14,666).

University of Illinois Springfield vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Illinois Springfield 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 University of Illinois Springfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Springfield (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming University of Illinois Springfield students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 940/1200; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 21/27; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Illinois Springfield - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Illinois Springfield students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than University of Illinois Springfield (85.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at University of Illinois Springfield vs. 44.1% at VCM.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Illinois Springfield 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).

• University of Illinois Springfield's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have a $8,207 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($18,793 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($194 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Illinois Springfield students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 59%)

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.