VCM vs. Grace College and Theological Seminary

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grace College and Theological Seminary is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,304 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Grace College and Theological Seminary is in Winona Lake, IN (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grace College and Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Grace College and Theological Seminary 23:1.

VCM vs. Grace College and Theological Seminary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Grace College and Theological Seminary? 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 Grace College and Theological Seminary than VCM ($21,065 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grace College and Theological Seminary are 21.6% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,980 vs. $14,008).
• Grace College and Theological Seminary is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $290 more per year; $31,200.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Grace College and Theological Seminary than at VanderCook College of Music (about $290 more per year; $31,200.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Grace College and Theological Seminary (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Grace College and Theological Seminary students ($23,317 vs. $20,866).

VCM vs. Grace College and Theological Seminary Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Grace College and Theological Seminary? 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 Grace College and Theological Seminary and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grace College and Theological Seminary (1100) is 70 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Grace College and Theological Seminary students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Grace College and Theological Seminary 1000/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Grace College and Theological Seminary 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Grace College and Theological Seminary - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Grace College and Theological Seminary Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grace College and Theological Seminary students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Grace College and Theological Seminary (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 11% at Grace College and Theological Seminary.

VCM vs. Grace College and Theological Seminary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Grace College and Theological Seminary? 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).

• Grace College and Theological Seminary's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 66%)

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.