VCM vs. Grand View University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Grand View University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand View University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,856 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Grand View University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand View University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Grand View University 12:1.

VCM vs. Grand View University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Grand View 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 Grand View University ($21,306 vs. $22,319).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand View University are 0.7% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,912 vs. $14,008).
• Grand View University is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $3,852 more per year; $34,762.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Grand View University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $3,852 more per year; $34,762.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Grand View University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand View University students is 12.9% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($26,330 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Grand View University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at Grand View University (1000).
• Incoming Grand View University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Grand View University 920/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Grand View University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Grand View University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Grand View University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grand View University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Grand View University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 20.9% at Grand View University.

VCM vs. Grand View University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Grand View 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 Grand View University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand View University graduates have a $3,092 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($23,908 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grand View University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($247 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grand View University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 60%)

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.