VCM vs. JC

Comparable Facts

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

University of Jamestown is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,376 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Jamestown is in Jamestown, ND (Remote Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Jamestown is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; University of Jamestown 13:1.

VCM vs. JC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or JC? 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 University of Jamestown than VCM ($20,510 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Jamestown are 28.7% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($9,990 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 23.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JC (about $5,920 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $24,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.7% higher at VCM than at University of Jamestown (about $5,920 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $24,990.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at University of Jamestown (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 32.9% larger than aid received by University of Jamestown students ($23,317 vs. $17,548).

VCM vs. JC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 10 points higher than at JC (1020).
• Incoming JC 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; University of Jamestown 900/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; University of Jamestown 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; JC - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JC students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than JC (88.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 36.1% at JC.

VCM vs. JC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and JC? 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 University of Jamestown's (43%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Jamestown graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JC graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More JC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.