VCM vs. Adrian College

Comparable Facts

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

Adrian College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,765 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Adrian College is in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Adrian College 16:1.

VCM vs. Adrian College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Adrian College? 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 Adrian College ($21,306 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 30.9% lower than at Adrian College ($14,008 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 34.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $10,774 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at Adrian College than at VanderCook College of Music (about $10,774 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Adrian College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 28.5% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($29,966 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Adrian College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Adrian College? 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 Adrian College and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 20 points higher than at Adrian College (1010).
• Incoming Adrian College 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: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Adrian College 873/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Adrian College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Adrian College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Adrian College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Adrian College (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 26.3% at Adrian College.

VCM vs. Adrian College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Adrian College? 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).

• Adrian College's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adrian College and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Adrian College and VCM graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adrian College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

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.