VCM vs. UIU

Comparable Facts

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

Upper Iowa University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (3,941 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Upper Iowa University is in Fayette, IA (Remote Rural setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Upper Iowa University 25:1.

VCM vs. UIU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or UIU? 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 Upper Iowa University than VCM ($20,426 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Upper Iowa University are 27.7% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($10,121 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 58.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIU (about $11,435 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.7% higher at VCM than at Upper Iowa University (about $11,435 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Upper Iowa University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 71.5% larger than aid received by Upper Iowa University students ($23,317 vs. $13,596).

VCM vs. UIU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or UIU? 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 UIU and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Upper Iowa University (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming VCM students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at UIU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Upper Iowa University 970/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Upper Iowa University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; UIU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UIU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at VCM (3.1).
• UIU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 33.9% at UIU.

VCM vs. UIU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and UIU? 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).

• The graduation rate at VCM is the same as at Upper Iowa University (45% vs. 45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Upper Iowa University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UIU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 50%)

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.