VCM vs. Wilson College

Comparable Facts

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

Wilson College is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,907 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Wilson College is in Chambersburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Wilson College 15:1.

VCM vs. Wilson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Wilson 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 Wilson College ($21,306 vs. $21,748).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilson College are 12.2% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($12,296 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilson College (about $3,810 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $27,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at VCM than at Wilson College (about $3,810 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $27,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Wilson College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 31.5% larger than aid received by Wilson College students ($23,317 vs. $17,736).

VCM vs. Wilson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilson College (1060) is 30 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Wilson College 930/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Wilson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wilson College students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Wilson College has a higher acceptance rate (92.1%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 21.5% at Wilson College.

VCM vs. Wilson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Wilson 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).

• Wilson College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than VanderCook College of Music's (45%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilson College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than VCM graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wilson College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCM graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilson College students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.