VCM vs. Cleary College

Comparable Facts

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

Cleary University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,004 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Cleary University is in Howell, MI (Midsize City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Cleary University 18:1.

VCM vs. Cleary College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Cleary 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 Cleary College ($21,306 vs. $23,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cleary University are 7.9% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,900 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 18.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleary College (about $4,808 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at VCM than at Cleary University (about $4,808 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,102.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Cleary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Cleary University students ($23,317 vs. $16,150).

VCM vs. Cleary College Admissions comparison

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

• Cleary University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleary University (1060) is 30 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Cleary College 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; Cleary University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Cleary University 18/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Cleary College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Cleary College Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cleary College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Cleary College (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 28.7% at Cleary College.

VCM vs. Cleary College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Cleary 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).

• Cleary University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, VanderCook College of Music graduates have a $3,227 lower median loan debt than Cleary College graduates ($27,000 vs. $30,227).
• Among borrowers, VCM graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleary College graduates ($279 vs. $312).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleary College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 47%)

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.