VCM vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with North Central University in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Central University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (852 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or North Central 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 North Central University ($21,306 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 28.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,054 vs. $14,008).
• North Central University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $1,310 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at North Central University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $1,310 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at North Central University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 28.7% larger than aid received by North Central University students ($23,317 vs. $18,112).

VCM vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central University (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming North Central 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; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at VCM (3.1).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

VCM vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and North Central 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 North Central University's (40%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 66%)

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.