VCM vs. Albion College

Comparable Facts

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

Albion College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,308 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Albion College is in Albion, MI (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Albion College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Albion College 11:1.

VCM vs. Albion College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Albion 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 Albion College than VCM ($16,719 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Albion College are 8.4% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,830 vs. $14,008).
• Albion College is 84.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $26,040 more per year; $56,950.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.2% higher at Albion College than at VanderCook College of Music (about $26,040 more per year; $56,950.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Albion College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Albion College students is 128.6% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($53,298 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Albion College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Albion College (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Albion College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Albion College 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Albion College 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Albion College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Albion College students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Albion College (80.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 6.9% at Albion College.

VCM vs. Albion College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Albion 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).

• Albion College's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, VanderCook College of Music graduates have a $200 lower median loan debt than Albion College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,200).
• Among borrowers, VCM graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Albion College graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More Albion College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 66%)

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.