Overview
Columbia College Chicago is a private non-profit college located in the heart of Chicago. The one and only campus has more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, in addition to programs available entirely online. Every undergraduate student must complete the requirements of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core, and students are encouraged to develop their portfolios during their course of study. The urban campus is home to Manifest Urban Arts Festival, which gives students the opportunity to showcase their creative projects. Columbia has more than 15 buildings in the South Loop neighborhood, and is located near the Magnificent Mile, where students can enjoy shopping and entertainment.
Acceptance Rate:
95%
Average Net Price:
$28,568
Campus Setting:
Major city
Average GPA
3.5
Average ACT Composite
23
Average SAT Composite
1117
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $32,520 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $32,520 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $16,838 |
| Books and Supplies | $1800 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
63%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
41%
Average Aid Per Year
$18,020
41%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,738
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$13,293
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
35%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$5040
51%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,738
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$96,174,032
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$15,982,594
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
61%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,301
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,424
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$239
Students receiving federal loans
56%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,352
Average Other Loans Per Year
$9,269
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
7701
Students Applied
89%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
553
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
No
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | August 1 | June 1 |
Application Fee
$25
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
Average ACT Composite: 23
Average SAT Composite: 1117
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.5
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
6,646
Total Number of Undergrads
6,424
0
100
42%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
50%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
15:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
61
Faculty Overview
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Major city
US States Represented
51
Countries Represented
44
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
25%
Student Organizations
66
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
34%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
35%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Renegades
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Intramural Sports
5
Sports Club
5
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$39,200
Top 5 Cities
Chicago
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Detroit
Top 5 Employers
Columbia College Chicago
Apple
Nordstrom
Self-Employed
Target
Top 5 Sectors
Arts & Design
Media & Communication
Business Development
Operations
Sales
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,424
Loan Default Rate
11%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$239
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingI learn from not only my professors but also the fellow students around me. The professors not only work for the school but also have careers in their fields within the city. They all encourage students to seek outside education and experience with their craft.
Rey from Nashville, TN
The classes are challenging in a great way. The staff are more than willing to explain complicated concepts in many different ways until students tell them they understand.
Sarah from Burlington, WI
At Columbia you are learning from teachers who are working professionals immersed in the fields that they are teaching. Classes are kept small and students immediately begin developing work.
Laurel from Woodinville, WA
The majority of my classes are filled with information, and have really helped me grow not only as a student but as a person.
Ariana from Chicago, IL
I have learned so much during the past 3 years at Columbia. The hands on experience instructed by professors who work in your field of work is absolutely amazing. You will not find a better college for hands on learners,
Lauren from Chicago, IL
Not only did I learn stuff from the faculty that work there, but also the students. This college goes through the basics of helping you develop a career in the arts.
Justin from New Orleans, LA
Columbia College Chicago was more than just a great experience for me. I can't even explain how diverse the people are there as far as talent and culture . They really give you a lot of space to embrace who you are and they support you in any way possible !
Courtney from Saint Louis, MO
Columbia College is absolutely the best school I could have possibly chosen for enhancing my career. Everyone at this school, whether student or staff, is unquestionably passionate and dedicated to their craft, and always willing to offer a helping hand. This is more than a school, but a community of artists.
Stephanie from Brooklyn, NY
The phrase you get what you put in is thrown around, and for good reasons. This could be the greatest place in the world, putting you in connection with your industry's greatest innovators, or you could barely float along and graduate not having learned a thing. It's all up to you and your motivations.
Selena from Orlando, FL
I love Columbia. It's a great environment for artists. I am always getting great opportunities.
Catherine from Oak Park, IL
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