VCM vs. Anderson University

Comparable Facts

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

Anderson University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,228 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, IN (Small City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Anderson University 10:1.

VCM vs. Anderson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Anderson University? 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 Anderson University ($21,306 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 8.6% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,800 vs. $14,008).
• Anderson University is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,330 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Anderson University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,330 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Anderson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 11.3% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($25,946 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Anderson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Anderson University? 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 Anderson University and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is the same as at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming Anderson University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Anderson University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Anderson University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Anderson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Anderson University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 8.3% at Anderson University.

VCM vs. Anderson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Anderson University? 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Anderson University 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 Anderson University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 64%)

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.