VCM vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

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

Centenary University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,398 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Centenary 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 Centenary University ($21,306 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 10.4% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,552 vs. $14,008).
• Centenary University is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,822 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Centenary University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,822 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Centenary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 27% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($29,617 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Centenary University (1080) is 50 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Centenary University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Centenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Centenary University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Centenary University (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

VCM vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Centenary 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).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centenary University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Centenary University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.