Columbia College Chicago
Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 89.5%, an average net price of $36,529, and an overall rank of #1738 (Grade C). About 47.3% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $49,583 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Columbia College Chicago is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Physics and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 66.0% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 31.1%, roughly 18.8 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Columbia College Chicago Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Columbia College Chicago graduates 47.3% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 54.3% and keeps 66.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Columbia College Chicago's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $21,521 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $37,344 |
| Books and Supplies | $3,450 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,429 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,386 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $58,050 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 50.8% of Columbia College Chicago students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $32,185 to $44,486 depending on family income. Use Columbia College Chicago's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $39,200/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $44,486/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $49,583
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,427
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~50.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 45.8%
- Employment Rate 89.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Columbia College Chicago graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Columbia College Chicago vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Columbia College Chicago's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Columbia College Chicago's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Columbia College Chicago graduates earn $49,583 median, the 31.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,368
- Full-Time Students 95.9%
- Part-Time Students 4.1%
- Retention Rate 66.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 47.3%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 54.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Columbia College Chicago
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Columbia College Chicago requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.5%, Columbia College Chicago is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.5% acceptance rate, Columbia College Chicago is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Columbia College Chicago undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Graphic Communications, and Film/Video and Photographic Arts draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 19.9%
- Graphic Communications 16.3%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 12.5%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 10.8%
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management 6.9%
- Music 4.1%
See more majors
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.0%
- Marketing 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Physics $85,985
- 2. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $68,835
- 3. Marketing $66,647
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,652
- 5. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $54,496
- 6. American Sign Language $53,459
- 7. Graphic Communications $53,136
- 8. Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management $52,813
- 9. Design and Applied Arts $52,054
- 10. Journalism $51,005
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (Master's Degree) $68,742
- 2. Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Master's Degree) $63,618
- 3. Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education (Master's Degree) $62,666
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degree) $52,809
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Physics grads earn $85,985—69% more than Journalism ($51,005). Graduate: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management programs lead with $68,742 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Columbia College Chicago. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 258 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 212 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 162 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 140 graduates)
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Marketing
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Physics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Journalism
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Communication and Media Studies
- American Sign Language
- Dance
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer Programming
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
Online Master's Degrees (12 programs)▼
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Music
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication and Media Studies
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Journalism
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,368
- Full-Time Students 95.9%
- Part-Time Students 4.1%
- Male Students 39.6%
- Female Students 60.4%
- Caucasian 39.5%
- Asian 3.7%
- Hispanic 28.2%
- Black 18.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 50.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Columbia College Chicago's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Columbia College Chicago's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Columbia College Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Columbia College Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Columbia College Chicago has a diverse student body, with 39.5% identifying as White. Women make up 60.4% of undergraduates. 50.8% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Columbia College Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Columbia College Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Columbia College Chicago offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 31.1% ROI. Ranked #1738 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,529 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,583 median earnings. With 47.3% graduating within 150% of normal time and 66.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Columbia College Chicago's Positioning
With a C grade and #1738 ranking, Columbia College Chicago competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,529 annually, Columbia College Chicago charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 66.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,570 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 31.1% ROI and $49,583 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,529+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Columbia College Chicago ranks #1738 of 1955 institutions, with 1663 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 47.3% graduation rate sits 15.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 66.0% first-year retention is 10.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 31.1% return on investment is 18.8 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,583 run about 20% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $36,529 is roughly $16,648 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 66.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.4% employment rate within three years sits 21.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,529 is about $16,648 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- 59.9% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C from EDsmart. It stands at #1738 among 1955 schools Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 66.0% of first-year students return; 47.3% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 54.3%. The reported ROI is 31.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,529 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $58,050.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,521 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 50.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Five years after graduation, graduates earn roughly $49,583 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 20% lower.
Roughly 89.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 31.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Columbia College Chicago admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Columbia College Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/columbia-college-chicago/
MLA (9th): “Columbia College Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/columbia-college-chicago/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Columbia College Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/columbia-college-chicago/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia College Chicago's acceptance rate?
Columbia College Chicago's acceptance rate is 89.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Columbia College Chicago cost?
At Columbia College Chicago, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $36,529 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $58,050 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $37,344. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Columbia College Chicago's ranking?
Columbia College Chicago ranks #1738 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Columbia College Chicago's graduation rate?
At Columbia College Chicago, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 47.3% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 54.3%, and first-year retention is 66.0%.
What are Columbia College Chicago's job outcomes?
Graduates of Columbia College Chicago report median earnings of $49,583 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Columbia College Chicago's student population?
Columbia College Chicago enrolls about 5,368 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 600 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605-1996
- Website www.colum.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$201.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate27.5%