VCM vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Capital University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,263 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Capital University 9:1.

VCM vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Capital 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 Capital University ($21,306 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 7.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,984 vs. $14,008).
• Capital University is 39.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $12,324 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.9% higher at Capital University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $12,324 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Capital University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 47.8% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($34,471 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Capital University (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Capital University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

VCM vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Capital University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Capital 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 Capital 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.