VCM vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

VCM vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than VCM ($11,546 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 11.9% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,340 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 139.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $17,980 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at VCM than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $460 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Saginaw Valley State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 72.6% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($23,317 vs. $13,512).

VCM vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saginaw Valley State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

VCM vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saginaw Valley State University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Saginaw Valley State University 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 Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 48%)

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.