VCM vs. Oakland City University

Comparable Facts

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

Oakland City University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (640 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Oakland City University is in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Oakland City University 13:1.

VCM vs. Oakland City University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Oakland City 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 Oakland City University than VCM ($16,437 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland City University are 17.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,600 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 10.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oakland City University (about $3,010 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.8% higher at VCM than at Oakland City University (about $3,010 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Oakland City University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($26,067 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Oakland City University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at Oakland City University (1000).
• Incoming Oakland City 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; Oakland City University 850/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Oakland City University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Oakland City University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oakland City University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Oakland City University (82.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 32.5% at Oakland City University.

VCM vs. Oakland City University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Oakland City 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).

• Oakland City University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $6,800 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($20,200 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($208 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland City University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 58%)

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.