Columbia College Chicago campus
Columbia College Chicago logo

Columbia College Chicago

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 2,158
Student to faculty ratio 14 to 1
Acceptance rate 96%
Students retention rate 62%
On-time graduation rate 51%

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Columbia College is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 96% indicates that Columbia College is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Columbia College Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, Columbia College emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

The retention rate of students at Columbia College is 62% , which is lower than both the state and national averages. The state average retention rate in Illinois is 70%, while the national average is 74%. This indicates that a significant proportion of students who enroll at Columbia College do not continue their studies after the first year.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

95.6%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$27,786

Cost of attendance at Columbia College Chicago in 2022 for students from Illinois.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Illinois's average $13,029
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$27,786

Cost of attendance at Columbia College Chicago in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Illinois's average $19,104
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 99 of freshman students at Columbia College Chicago received on average $20,992 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$20,992
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 963 53% $5,553 $5,347,951
Other Federal Grant 1,616 90% $4,243 $6,855,997
State Grant/Scholarships 713 40% $5,374 $3,831,611
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,782 99% $15,018 $26,762,824
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,784 99% $20,992 $37,450,432

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Columbia College Chicago students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Columbia College Chicago students is 50.9%. Female students graduated at a rate of 52.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 48.3%.

50.9%

  • asian 64.8% 35 students
  • African American 37.9% 102 students
  • white 56.2% 509 students
  • unknown 47.9% 45 students
  • hispanic 41.2% 124 students
  • International Students 69.6% 32 students
  • Mixed Race 56.6% 47 students

Service Offerings

Columbia College Chicago provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Columbia College Chicago offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)