VCM vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

VCM vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than VCM ($14,693 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 15% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,904 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 135.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $17,775 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.5% higher at VCM than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $10,095 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at University of Akron Main Campus (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 101.9% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($23,317 vs. $11,551).

VCM vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and VCM.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Akron Main Campus (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming University of Akron 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; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027; University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

VCM vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Akron Main Campus graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Akron graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron 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.