VCM vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Illinois University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 323 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 19.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,320 vs. $14,008).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.5% higher at VCM than at Western Illinois University (about $15,646 more per year; $30,910 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 55.5% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($23,317 vs. $14,994).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 4 points higher at Western Illinois University than at VCM (21 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at VCM, test-free at Western Illinois University.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.35 higher than at VCM (3.1).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation (66% vs. 61%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.