VCM vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

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

Rivier University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Rivier 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 Rivier University ($21,306 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 10.4% lower than at Rivier University ($14,008 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $8,578 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at Rivier University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $8,578 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 6.9% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($24,927 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 90 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

VCM vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Rivier 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 Rivier University's (32%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,455 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.