VCM vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

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

Wartburg College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,483 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCM vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Wartburg 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 Wartburg College ($21,306 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 16.1% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,750 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $4,660 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.8% higher at VCM than at Wartburg College (about $4,660 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 73% larger than aid received by VanderCook College of Music students ($40,336 vs. $23,317).

VCM vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wartburg College (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Wartburg College students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wartburg College students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at VCM (3.1).
• VCM has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

VCM vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Wartburg 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wartburg College and VCM graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Wartburg College and VCM graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCM students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.