VCM vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

VCM vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University than VCM ($14,208 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 19.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,320 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 102.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $15,646 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.5% higher at VCM than at Western Illinois University (about $15,646 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 55.5% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($23,317 vs. $14,994).

VCM vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 40 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University 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; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

VCM vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Western Illinois 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).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 61%)

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.