VCM vs. Howard Payne University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Howard Payne University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (809 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Howard Payne University is in Brownwood, TX (Remote Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Howard Payne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Howard Payne University 10:1.

VCM vs. Howard Payne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Howard Payne 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 Howard Payne University ($21,306 vs. $25,750).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Howard Payne University are 27.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,200 vs. $14,008).
• Howard Payne University is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $4,072 more per year; $34,982.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Howard Payne University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $4,072 more per year; $34,982.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Howard Payne University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Howard Payne University students ($23,317 vs. $20,357).

VCM vs. Howard Payne University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 10 points higher than at Howard Payne University (1020).
• Incoming Howard Payne 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; Howard Payne University 880/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Howard Payne University 16/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Howard Payne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Howard Payne University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Howard Payne University (67.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 27% at Howard Payne University.

VCM vs. Howard Payne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Howard Payne 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).

• Howard Payne University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Howard Payne University graduates have a $1,314 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,686 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Howard Payne University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard Payne University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 58%)

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.