VCM vs. Ashland College

Comparable Facts

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

Ashland University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (4,106 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Ashland University is in Ashland, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ashland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Ashland University 14:1.

VCM vs. Ashland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Ashland College? 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 Ashland College ($21,306 vs. $22,610).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ashland University are 3.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($13,568 vs. $14,008).
• Ashland University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $300 more per year; $31,210.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Ashland College than at VanderCook College of Music (about $300 more per year; $31,210.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Ashland University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 11.9% larger than aid received by Ashland University students ($23,317 vs. $20,835).

VCM vs. Ashland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ashland University (1120) is 90 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Ashland College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Ashland University 1035/1208.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Ashland University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Ashland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ashland College students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Ashland College (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 15.9% at Ashland College.

VCM vs. Ashland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Ashland College? 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).

• Ashland University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ashland University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ashland College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Ashland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.