Ozarks vs. VCM

Comparable Facts

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

University of the Ozarks is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (778 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Ozarks is located in Clarksville, AR (Remote Town setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• University of the Ozarks is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Ozarks 14:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Ozarks vs. VCM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ozarks 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 the Ozarks than VCM ($20,088 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Ozarks are 31.4% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($9,603 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ozarks (about $4,960 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $25,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.1% higher at VCM than at University of the Ozarks (about $4,960 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $25,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of the Ozarks as at VanderCook College of Music (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 24.1% larger than aid received by University of the Ozarks students ($23,317 vs. $18,783).

Ozarks vs. VCM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ozarks 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 Ozarks.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of the Ozarks (1090) is 60 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Ozarks 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: University of the Ozarks 1020/1160; VanderCook College of Music 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Ozarks 20/25; VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ozarks - Test optional; VCM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ozarks students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Ozarks (59.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Ozarks vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Ozarks vs. VCM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ozarks 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 the Ozarks's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Ozarks graduates have a $4,460 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($22,540 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ozarks graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($233 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ozarks 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.