VCM vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Michigan University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

VCM vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than VCM ($15,742 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Michigan University are 2.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,652 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 90.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern Michigan University (about $14,670 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.3% higher at VCM than at Eastern Michigan University (about $14,670 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Eastern Michigan University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 74.4% larger than aid received by Eastern Michigan University students ($23,317 vs. $13,370).

VCM vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Michigan University (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Eastern Michigan 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; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern Michigan University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

VCM vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 45%)

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.