VCM vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

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

VanderCook College of Music is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (323 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Northland 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 Northland College ($21,306 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northland College are 17.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,600 vs. $14,008).
• Northland College is 43.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $13,493 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.7% higher at Northland College than at VanderCook College of Music (about $13,493 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Northland College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 44% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($33,572 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 20 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Northland College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northland College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

VCM vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Northland 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).

• Northland College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northland College graduates have a $57 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($26,943 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northland College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.