VCM vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Wheeling University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (774 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

VCM vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University than VCM ($21,073 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 11% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,470 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheeling University (about $1,035 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at VCM than at Wheeling University (about $1,035 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Wheeling University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 6.3% larger than aid received by Wheeling University students ($23,317 vs. $21,931).

VCM vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Wheeling University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wheeling University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

VCM vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheeling University and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Wheeling University and VCM graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.