VCM vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Ferris State 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 Ferris State University than VCM ($10,825 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 18.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,462 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 109.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $16,132 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.2% higher at VCM than at Ferris State University (about $16,132 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 44.7% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($23,317 vs. $16,117).

VCM vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 20 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State 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; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

VCM vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Ferris State 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).

• The graduation rate at VCM is the same as at Ferris State University (45% vs. 45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $2,821 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,179 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 58%)

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.