VCM vs. Huston-Tillotson University

Comparable Facts

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

Huston Tillotson University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,059 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Huston Tillotson University is in Austin, TX (Large City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Huston Tillotson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Huston Tillotson University 14:1.

VCM vs. Huston-Tillotson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Huston-Tillotson 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 Huston Tillotson University than VCM ($20,355 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Huston Tillotson University are 39.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($8,469 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Huston-Tillotson University (about $4,201 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,709.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at VCM than at Huston Tillotson University (about $4,201 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,709.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Huston Tillotson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 362.9% larger than aid received by Huston Tillotson University students ($23,317 vs. $5,037).

VCM vs. Huston-Tillotson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Huston-Tillotson 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 Huston-Tillotson University and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 50 points higher than at Huston-Tillotson University (980).
• Incoming Huston-Tillotson University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Huston Tillotson University 800/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Huston Tillotson University 16/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Huston-Tillotson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Huston-Tillotson University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCM students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at Huston-Tillotson University (2.92).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Huston-Tillotson University (39.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 23.3% at Huston-Tillotson University.

VCM vs. Huston-Tillotson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Huston-Tillotson 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 Huston Tillotson University's (20%).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Huston-Tillotson University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 27%)

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.