VCM vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

Pfeiffer University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (889 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

VCM vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University than VCM ($19,660 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 8.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,850 vs. $14,008).
• Pfeiffer University is 13.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $4,160 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at Pfeiffer University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $4,160 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Pfeiffer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 11.3% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($25,951 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is the same as at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming Pfeiffer 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; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pfeiffer University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

VCM vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Pfeiffer 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).

• The graduation rate at VCM is the same as at Pfeiffer University (45% vs. 45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $4,601 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($22,399 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($231 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 56%)

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.