VCM vs. King University

Comparable Facts

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

King University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,157 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); King University is in Bristol, TN (Small City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. King University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; King University 11:1.

VCM vs. King University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or King 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 King University ($21,306 vs. $22,748).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at King University are 22.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,880 vs. $14,008).
• King University is 17.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $5,284 more per year; $36,194.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at King University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $5,284 more per year; $36,194.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at King University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by King University students is 13.1% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($26,366 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. King University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at King University (1080) is 50 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming King 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; King University 1000/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; King University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; King University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman King University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at VCM (3.1).
• King University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 20.3% at King University.

VCM vs. King University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and King 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 King University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, King University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, King University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former King University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 59%)

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.