VCM vs. University of Indianapolis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Indianapolis is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (5,000 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 Indianapolis is in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Indianapolis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; University of Indianapolis 12:1.

VCM vs. University of Indianapolis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis ($21,306 vs. $22,662).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 9.9% lower than at University of Indianapolis ($14,008 vs. $15,542).
• University of Indianapolis is 20.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $6,290 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at University of Indianapolis than at VanderCook College of Music (about $6,290 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at University of Indianapolis (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Indianapolis students is 27.9% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($29,818 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. University of Indianapolis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Indianapolis (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming University of Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 960/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; University of Indianapolis 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; University of Indianapolis - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Indianapolis students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than University of Indianapolis (66.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 10.6% at University of Indianapolis.

VCM vs. University of Indianapolis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and University of Indianapolis? 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).

• University of Indianapolis's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Indianapolis and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Indianapolis 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 University of Indianapolis students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 51%)

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.