Columbia College Chicago
About Columbia College Chicago
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbia College Chicago is a private arts and media college in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest arts colleges in the country with programs in film, photography, creative writing, music, and game design.
Founded
1890
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Students
5,516
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
89.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
51.6%
Below national average
Tuition
$34,088
Per year
Avg Net Price
$26,598
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$42,195
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Columbia College Chicago accepts the majority of applicants at 89.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
51.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
66%
4-Year Grad
44%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
37.4%
$/Student
$10.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 44% graduation rate is below average, but 66% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$34,088
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,629
Books & Supplies
$1,900
Total Cost of Attendance
$51,889
After Financial Aid
$26,598
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$20,924
Receive Grants
46%
Take Loans
55.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $51,889/yr, including $20,629 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $26,598.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Columbia College Chicago fund their education.
While in School
46%
Get Grants
Free money
55.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$49,117
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $42K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Columbia College Chicago.
Gender
60.4%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,368
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
148
Graduates
24.9%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
6.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 24.9% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,368
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Columbia College Chicagoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,195
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Design and Applied Arts
$30K
258 grads
1yr Earnings
Graphic Communications
$26K
212 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$24K
162 grads
1yr Earnings
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$18K
140 grads
1yr Earnings
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
$24K
90 grads
1yr Earnings
Music
$20K
53 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $33K six years out, growing to $42K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia College Chicago
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College Chicago?▾
How much does Columbia College Chicago cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Columbia College Chicago?▾
How much do Columbia College Chicago graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.