VCM vs. MidlandU

Comparable Facts

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

Midland University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,558 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Midland University is in Fremont, NE (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Midland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Midland University 14:1.

VCM vs. MidlandU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or MidlandU? 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 MidlandU ($21,306 vs. $26,643).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midland University are 20.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,172 vs. $14,008).
• Midland University is 36% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $11,140 more per year; $42,050.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36% higher at MidlandU than at VanderCook College of Music (about $11,140 more per year; $42,050.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Midland University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midland University students is 25.5% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($29,260 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. MidlandU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or MidlandU? 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 MidlandU and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midland University (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming MidlandU 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; Midland University 963/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Midland University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; MidlandU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MidlandU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than MidlandU (66.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 31.4% at MidlandU.

VCM vs. MidlandU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and MidlandU? 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 Midland University's (44%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midland University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Midland 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 MidlandU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 65%)

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.