VCM vs. OC Comets

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Olivet is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (979 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); The University of Olivet is in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; The University of Olivet 17:1.

VCM vs. OC Comets Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or OC Comets? 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 The University of Olivet than VCM ($19,362 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Olivet are 10.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,567 vs. $14,008).
• The University of Olivet is 10.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $3,158 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at OC Comets than at VanderCook College of Music (about $3,158 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at The University of Olivet (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Olivet students is 19.5% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($27,858 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. OC Comets Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 10 points higher than at OC Comets (1020).
• Incoming OC Comets 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; The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; OC Comets - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than OC Comets (83.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 20.4% at OC Comets.

VCM vs. OC Comets Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and OC Comets? 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).

• The University of Olivet's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Olivet and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, The University of Olivet 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 OC Comets students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 53%)

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.