VCM vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

VCM vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Cornerstone 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 Cornerstone University ($21,306 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 9.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,700 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 34.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $7,910 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.4% higher at VCM than at Cornerstone University (about $7,910 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($23,317 vs. $20,439).

VCM vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 70 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornerstone University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

VCM vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Cornerstone 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).

• VanderCook College of Music's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 62%)

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.