VCM vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Columbia 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 Columbia College than VCM ($18,790 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 33% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($9,390 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 39.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $8,696 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at VCM than at Columbia College (about $8,696 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 41.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($23,317 vs. $16,451).

VCM vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming VCM students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

VCM vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Columbia 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,736 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 43%)

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.