VCM vs. Barton College

Comparable Facts

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

Barton College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,235 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Barton College is in Wilson, NC (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Barton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Barton College 14:1.

VCM vs. Barton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Barton 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 Barton College ($21,306 vs. $23,962).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 0.9% lower than at Barton College ($14,008 vs. $14,130).
• Barton College is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,340 more per year; $37,250.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Barton College than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,340 more per year; $37,250.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Barton College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Barton College students is 16.9% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($27,266 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Barton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Barton College (1060) is 30 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Barton College 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; Barton College 970/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Barton College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Barton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Barton College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Barton College has a higher acceptance rate (94.2%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 10.4% at Barton College.

VCM vs. Barton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Barton 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).

• Barton College's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Barton College and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Barton 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 Barton College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 52%)

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.