VCM vs. Hilbert College

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Hilbert College in Hamburg, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hilbert College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (968 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Hilbert College is in Hamburg, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hilbert College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Hilbert College 15:1.

VCM vs. Hilbert College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Hilbert College? 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 Hilbert College ($21,306 vs. $22,157).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 6.1% lower than at Hilbert College ($14,008 vs. $14,920).
• Hilbert College is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $2,830 more per year; $33,740.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at Hilbert College than at VanderCook College of Music (about $2,830 more per year; $33,740.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Hilbert College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Hilbert College students ($23,317 vs. $20,038).

VCM vs. Hilbert College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hilbert College (1080) is 50 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Hilbert College 980/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Hilbert College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hilbert College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Hilbert College has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 18.4% at Hilbert College.

VCM vs. Hilbert College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Hilbert College? 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 Hilbert College's (40%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hilbert College graduates have a $1,536 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,464 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hilbert College graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hilbert College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 52%)

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.