VCM vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluffton University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (646 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University than VCM ($20,429 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 12.8% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,220 vs. $14,008).
• Bluffton University is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,452 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Bluffton University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,452 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 35% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($31,481 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Bluffton University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

VCM vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluffton University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bluffton University and VCM graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.