VCM vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Ambrose University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (2,498 students vs. 323 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

VCM vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($21,306 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Ambrose University are 4.5% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,378 vs. $14,008).
• Saint Ambrose University is 18.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $5,748 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.6% higher at St. Ambrose University than at VanderCook College of Music (about $5,748 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Saint Ambrose University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 11% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($25,877 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or St. Ambrose University ? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between St. Ambrose University and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming St. Ambrose University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman St. Ambrose University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

VCM vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and St. Ambrose University ? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University have median earnings of about $48,300 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for VCM.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Ambrose University graduates have a $1,236 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,764 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Ambrose University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.