VCM vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

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

Clarke University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (962 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Clarke 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 Clarke University ($21,306 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 16.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,734 vs. $14,008).
• Clarke University is 32.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $10,000 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.4% higher at Clarke University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $10,000 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Clarke University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 23.9% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($28,884 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is the same as at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Clarke University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarke University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

VCM vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Clarke 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).

• Clarke University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarke University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.