VCM vs. Madonna University

Comparable Facts

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

Madonna University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,124 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Madonna University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Madonna 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 Madonna University than VCM ($18,373 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Madonna University are 8.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,840 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 8.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Madonna University (about $2,470 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $28,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at VCM than at Madonna University (about $2,470 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $28,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Madonna University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 3.8% larger than aid received by Madonna University students ($23,317 vs. $22,471).

VCM vs. Madonna University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 50 points higher than at Madonna University (980).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Madonna University 880/1080.
• 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; Madonna University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Madonna University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.35) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Madonna University (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 25.2% at Madonna University.

VCM vs. Madonna University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Madonna 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 Madonna University's (42%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Madonna University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Madonna University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Madonna University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 48%)

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.