VCM vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Central College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Central College? 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 Central College ($21,306 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 13.9% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,060 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 47.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $9,922 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.3% higher at VCM than at Central College (about $9,922 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 67.4% larger than aid received by Central College students ($23,317 vs. $13,925).

VCM vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Central College? 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 Central College and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 21% at Central College.

VCM vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Central College? 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Central College and VCM graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.