VCM vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Rochester University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,193 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($21,306 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 25.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,486 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $1,714 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at VCM than at Rochester University (about $1,714 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Rochester University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 18.5% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($23,317 vs. $19,674).

VCM vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 80 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming Rochester 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; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rochester University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.13) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

VCM vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Rochester 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 Rochester University's (42%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $2,597 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,403 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 45%)

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.