Aurora University vs. VCM

Aurora University and VanderCook College of Music side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Aurora University
VanderCook College of Music

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Aurora University (80.9% admitted vs 89.5%). Typical SAT 1030 vs 1030.
  • Cheaper after aid: Aurora University. Average net price is $19,053 vs $21,306 at VCM.
  • Graduation: Aurora University 44% vs VCM 45%.
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Key differences

Aurora University VanderCook College of Music
Acceptance rate
Aurora University more selective
Aurora University80.9%
VCM89.5%
SAT range (middle 50%)
VCM higher
Aurora University900-1150
VCM890-1160
Average net price
Aurora University $2,253 less
Aurora University$19,053
VCM$21,306
In-state tuition
Aurora University $1,740 less
Aurora University$29,170
VCM$30,910
Out-of-state tuition
Aurora University $1,740 less
Aurora University$29,170
VCM$30,910
Graduation rate
VCM +1 pts
Aurora University44%
VCM45%
Median earnings (10 years)
Aurora University +$42,900
Aurora University$42,900
VCM-

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Aurora University 5,384
  • VCM 38
  • Admitted
  • Aurora University 4,353
  • VCM 34
  • Acceptance rate
  • Aurora University 80.9%
  • VCM 89.5%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Aurora University 15.6%
  • VCM 44.1%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Aurora University 1030
  • VCM 1030
  • Typical ACT score
  • Aurora University 25
  • VCM 17
  • Average high school GPA
  • Aurora University 3.56
  • VCM 3.1
  • Typical high school grades
  • Aurora University A-
  • VCM B
  • Admissions standards
  • Aurora University Moderate
  • VCM Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Aurora University
  • VCM
  • SAT range
  • Aurora University 900-1150
  • VCM 890-1160
  • ACT range
  • Aurora University 21-29
  • VCM 15-20
  • Submit test scores
  • Aurora University Test optional
  • VCM Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Aurora University
  • VCM Apr 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • VCM $30,910
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • VCM $30,910
  • Room & board
  • Aurora University $13,580
  • VCM $14,008
  • Average net price
  • Aurora University $19,053
  • VCM $21,306
  • Average grant aid
  • Aurora University $21,513
  • VCM $23,317
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Aurora University 99%
  • VCM 100%
  • Graduation rate
  • Aurora University 44%
  • VCM 45%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Aurora University $42,900
  • VCM N/A
  • Making student loan payments
  • Aurora University 63%
  • VCM 66%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Aurora University $22,337
  • VCM $27,000
  • Median loan payment
  • Aurora University $230
  • VCM $279
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Aurora University 18:1
  • VCM 5:1
  • Popular majors
  • Aurora University
    • Business (26%)
    • Health Professions (20%)
    • Education (16%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
    • Human Services (7%)
  • VCM
    • Education (100%)
  • Location
  • Aurora University Aurora, IL
  • VCM Chicago, IL
  • Setting
  • Aurora University Large Suburban
  • VCM Large City
  • Total enrollment
  • Aurora University 5,923
  • VCM 323
  • Type
  • Aurora University Private 4 Year
  • VCM Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Aurora University #734
  • VCM

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 323 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); VanderCook College of Music is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
  • Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; VanderCook College of Music 5:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aurora University are 3.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,580 vs. $14,008).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at VCM than at Aurora University (about $1,740 more per year; $30,910 vs. $29,170).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($23,317 vs. $21,513).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 8 points higher at Aurora University than at VCM (25 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Aurora University and VCM.
  • Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Aurora University average a 3.56 high school GPA, 0.46 higher than at VCM (3.1).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 44.1% at VCM.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($230 vs. $279).
  • More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation (66% vs. 63%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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