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VanderCook College of Music vs Wheaton College

VanderCook College of Music is a private college in Chicago, IL, and Wheaton College is a private college in Wheaton, IL. Wheaton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 89% at VanderCook College of Music. VanderCook College of Music is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,780 a year against $26,975 at Wheaton College. About 86% of students graduate at Wheaton College, compared with 59% at VanderCook College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, Wheaton College alumni earn a median of about $63,756, against $47,863 for VanderCook College of Music.

VanderCook College of Music

Chicago, IL · Private

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Wheaton, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
76
2,121
Acceptance rate
89%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1160
1260–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
28–32
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,780
$26,975
Full cost / yr
$44,613
$59,263
In-state tuition
$30,910
$45,546
Out-of-state tuition
$30,910
$45,546
Application fee
$35
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,308
$20,001
$30k - $48k
Not reported
$18,587
$48k - $75k
$17,968
$20,553
$75k - $110k
$20,485
$24,176
Over $110k
$31,777
$33,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
86%
Freshman retention
88%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,704
$50,270
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,863
$63,756
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
22%
First-generation students
Not reported
Not reported
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Aug 11
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is VanderCook College of Music or Wheaton College harder to get into?
Wheaton College is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 89% at VanderCook College of Music. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, VanderCook College of Music or Wheaton College?
VanderCook College of Music is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,780 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,975 at Wheaton College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at VanderCook College of Music and Wheaton College?
Before aid, VanderCook College of Music costs about $44,613 a year and Wheaton College about $59,263. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, VanderCook College of Music or Wheaton College?
VanderCook College of Music. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,308 there, against about $20,001 at Wheaton College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, VanderCook College of Music or Wheaton College?
Wheaton College is the larger of the two, with about 2,121 undergraduates against 76 at VanderCook College of Music.
Does VanderCook College of Music or Wheaton College have a better graduation rate?
Wheaton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 59% at VanderCook College of Music.
Do graduates of VanderCook College of Music or Wheaton College earn more?
Wheaton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,756 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,863 for VanderCook College of Music. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do VanderCook College of Music and Wheaton College require SAT or ACT scores?
VanderCook College of Music considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Wheaton College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do VanderCook College of Music and Wheaton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1160 at VanderCook College of Music and 1260–1470 at Wheaton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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