VCM vs. William Penn University

Comparable Facts

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

William Penn University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,425 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); William Penn University is in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; William Penn University 15:1.

VCM vs. William Penn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or William Penn 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 VanderCook College of Music than William Penn University ($21,306 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 41.3% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($8,222 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Penn University (about $1,160 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at VCM than at William Penn University (about $1,160 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $29,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at William Penn University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 15.5% larger than aid received by William Penn University students ($23,317 vs. $20,194).

VCM vs. William Penn University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at William Penn University (1000).
• Incoming William Penn University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; William Penn University 880/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; William Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; William Penn University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCM students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 41.9% at William Penn University.

VCM vs. William Penn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and William Penn 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).

• VanderCook College of Music's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than William Penn University's (30%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University 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 William Penn University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 49%)

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.