VCM vs. OUAZ-Surprise

Comparable Facts

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

Ottawa University Surprise is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (912 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Ottawa University Surprise is in Surprise, Arizona (Large Suburban setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ottawa University Surprise is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Ottawa University Surprise 11:1.

VCM vs. OUAZ-Surprise Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or OUAZ-Surprise? 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 OUAZ-Surprise ($21,306 vs. $34,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at VanderCook College of Music are 15.1% lower than at Ottawa University Surprise ($14,008 vs. $16,500).
• Ottawa University Surprise is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCM (about $4,970 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at OUAZ-Surprise than at VanderCook College of Music (about $4,970 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $30,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music as at Ottawa University Surprise (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 27.3% larger than aid received by Ottawa University Surprise students ($23,317 vs. $18,321).

VCM vs. OUAZ-Surprise Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or OUAZ-Surprise? 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 OUAZ-Surprise and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at VanderCook College of Music (1030) is 30 points higher than at OUAZ-Surprise (1000).
• Incoming OUAZ-Surprise students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Ottawa University Surprise 840/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Ottawa University Surprise 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; OUAZ-Surprise - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than OUAZ-Surprise (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 26.3% at OUAZ-Surprise.

VCM vs. OUAZ-Surprise Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and OUAZ-Surprise? 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).

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.