VCM vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

VCM vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University than VCM ($16,230 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 7.3% lower than at Cleveland State University ($14,008 vs. $15,104).
• VanderCook College of Music is 138% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $17,922 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67% higher at VCM than at Cleveland State University (about $12,400 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Cleveland State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 138.1% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($23,317 vs. $9,795).

VCM vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 20 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Cleveland State students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cleveland State students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

VCM vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Cleveland State? 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).

• VanderCook College of Music's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State 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.