VCM vs. Heidelberg University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Heidelberg University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,091 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Heidelberg University is in Tiffin, OH (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Heidelberg University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Heidelberg University 14:1.

VCM vs. Heidelberg University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg University than VCM ($19,447 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Heidelberg University are 12.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,300 vs. $14,008).
• Heidelberg University is 8.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $2,740 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at Heidelberg University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $2,740 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Heidelberg University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Heidelberg University students is 17.4% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($27,363 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Heidelberg University Admissions comparison

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

• Heidelberg University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Heidelberg University (1100) is 70 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Heidelberg University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Heidelberg University 1030/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Heidelberg University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Heidelberg University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Heidelberg University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Heidelberg University (85.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 18.2% at Heidelberg University.

VCM vs. Heidelberg University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Heidelberg 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).

• Heidelberg University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, VanderCook College of Music graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Heidelberg University graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, VCM graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Heidelberg University graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Heidelberg University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 64%)

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.