VCM vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,246 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Marian 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 Marian University ($21,306 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 29.7% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($9,849 vs. $14,008).
• Marian University is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $4,268 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.8% higher at Marian University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $4,268 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 6.9% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($23,317 vs. $21,805).

VCM vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 90 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Marian University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marian University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 18% at Marian University.

VCM vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marian University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marian University and VCM graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marian University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

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.