VCM vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,167 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Bethel University 12:1.

VCM vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Bethel 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 Bethel University than VCM ($19,494 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 20.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,140 vs. $14,008).
• Bethel University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $3,690 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Bethel University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $3,690 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($25,046 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is the same as at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Bethel 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; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

VCM vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Bethel 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $935 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel 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.