VCM vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than VCM ($17,198 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 17.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,550 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 104.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $15,770 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.4% higher at VCM than at Grand Valley State University (about $9,362 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 108.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($23,317 vs. $11,188).

VCM vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or GVSU? 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 GVSU and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

VCM vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU 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 GVSU 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.