VCM vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Northwood 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 Northwood University ($21,306 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 6.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,100 vs. $14,008).
• Northwood University is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $3,490 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Northwood University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $3,490 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($23,349 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 30 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Northwood 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; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

VCM vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Northwood 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 54%)

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.