Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Columbia College Chicago has a 91.2% acceptance rate. Columbia College Chicago is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Chicago, IL. The average net price is $26,598 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

91.2%

7,873 applicants

SAT Median

N/A

Combined score

ACT Median

N/A

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$26,598

After financial aid

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.5%

Retention Rate

66.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

5,368

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Columbia College Chicago:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$20,924
$30,001 – $48,000$21,423
$48,001 – $75,000$25,590
$75,001 – $110,000$31,677
$110,000+$36,436

Top Majors at Columbia College Chicago

MajorDegrees Awarded
Visual & Performing Arts900
Communications Technologies121
Communication & Journalism103
Physical Sciences51
English Language & Literature41
Business, Management & Marketing33
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies16
Foreign Languages & Linguistics9
Computer & Information Sciences8
Area, Ethnic & Gender Studies5

Financial Aid at Columbia College Chicago

About Columbia College Chicago

Official website: https://www.colum.edu/

Admissions: https://www.colum.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia College Chicago

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 91%. it received about 7,873 applications in a recent year; the average net price is $26,598 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Columbia College Chicago for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Columbia College Chicago?

Getting into Columbia College Chicago is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 91% of applicants. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Columbia College Chicago for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

How much does it cost to attend Columbia College Chicago?

The average net price at Columbia College Chicago is $26,598 per year after grants and scholarships. about 99% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $20,851 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago has a graduation rate of 0%. its first-year retention rate is 66%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Columbia College Chicago against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Columbia College Chicago test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Columbia College Chicago is test-blind, meaning it does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. With a 91% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Columbia College Chicago's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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