VCM vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Carlow University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Carlow 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 Carlow University than VCM ($21,002 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carlow University are 1.4% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,808 vs. $14,008).
• Carlow University is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $4,964 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at Carlow University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $4,964 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Carlow University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 21.1% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($28,233 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carlow University (1060) is 30 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

VCM vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carlow University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Carlow 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 Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 59%)

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.