Columbia College vs Full Sail

Columbia College Chicago and Full Sail University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences tailored to students with diverse aspirations. Columbia College Chicago, rooted in the heart of Chicago's vibrant arts scene, boasts a 90% acceptance rate and a student body predominantly composed of undergraduates, fostering a close-knit community. Full Sail University, renowned for its focus on creative technologies, maintains a selective admissions policy with a 38% acceptance rate, attracting a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. While both universities excel in their respective fields, their unique strengths and offerings may resonate differently with prospective students. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into the details of each institution, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Columbia College Chicago	Full Sail University
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Winter Park, Florida
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (For Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	62.0%	76.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	95.6%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	7,218
Total number of admissions given out	6,903
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,696
Yield rate	24.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	Not required
High school GPA	Not required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Not required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$48,698	$41,537
Average net price	$25,262	$27,420
Tuition	$26,610	$25,687
Room & board	$16,456
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $20,992	68.0% Average amount $9,981
Students receiving federal student loan	94.0% Average amount $6,068	61.0% Average amount $11,413
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $19,315	3.0% Average amount $26,133

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,493 Men 40.0% Women 60.0%	24,187 Men 69.5% Women 30.5%
Graduate students	243 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%	1,435 Men 55.3% Women 44.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	46.1%	N/A
International students	4.0%	0.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,158	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois Indiana Michigan Minnesota Ohio	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Communications Technology Communication and Journalism English Language and Literature Business	Visual & Performing Arts Communications Technology Multidisciplinary Studies Communication and Journalism English Language and Literature
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	36:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.9%	40.0%
Dropout rate	48.5%	57.6%
Transferred out	N/A	2.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $37,418 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $48,304 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,500 Year 2: $36,124 Year 3: $46,919 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $32,614 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $41,739 Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,521 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $41,719 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,175 Year 2: $40,355 Year 3: $41,194 Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,857 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $40,498 American Sign Language (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,692 Year 2: $35,330 Year 3: $38,260 Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,841 Year 2: $30,635 Year 3: $37,241 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,669 Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: $37,111 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,065 Year 2: $29,737 Year 3: $36,271	Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,597 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $63,679 Computer Programming (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,514 Year 2: $55,042 Year 3: $61,390 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $61,269 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $59,343 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,616 Year 2: $50,272 Year 3: $50,932 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $48,318 Marketing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,436 Year 3: $46,953 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $34,321 Year 2: $41,136 Year 3: $40,451 Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,956 Year 2: $34,963 Year 3: $39,745 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,905 Year 3: $39,255

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between Columbia College Chicago and Full Sail University?

Columbia College Chicago offers a broad liberal arts education alongside its arts and media programs, encouraging interdisciplinary study and critical thinking. Full Sail University, on the other hand, provides a highly specialized, career-focused education in entertainment, media, arts, and technology. Full Sail's curriculum is designed to directly prepare you for specific industry roles.
How do the program structures differ between the two schools?

Columbia College Chicago follows a traditional semester-based academic calendar, allowing for a more flexible pace and opportunities for internships and study abroad. Full Sail University utilizes an accelerated, year-round schedule, enabling you to complete your degree in a shorter timeframe. Full Sail's programs are often structured with a project-based learning approach.
What types of degrees are offered at Columbia College Chicago versus Full Sail University?

Columbia College Chicago offers a wide range of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Master's degrees across various creative disciplines, as well as some liberal arts fields. Full Sail University primarily offers Associate's and Bachelor's degrees focused on specific areas within entertainment, media, arts, and technology, such as game development, recording arts, and film.
How do the campuses and locations compare?

Columbia College Chicago is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, providing access to a vibrant arts and culture scene, internship opportunities, and a diverse urban environment. Full Sail University is situated in Winter Park, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, offering a more self-contained campus environment with industry-standard facilities.
What is the typical student life experience like at each institution?

Columbia College Chicago's student life is integrated with the city of Chicago, offering a wide array of cultural events, student organizations, and opportunities for collaboration with other artists and professionals. Full Sail University's student life is more campus-focused, with a strong emphasis on networking within your specific program and participating in industry-related events and workshops.
How do the career services and industry connections differ?

Columbia College Chicago leverages its Chicago location to provide access to a broad network of industry professionals and internship opportunities across various creative fields. Full Sail University emphasizes its strong industry connections and career placement services within the entertainment and media industries, often hosting guest speakers and workshops led by industry experts.
What are the general admission requirements for Columbia College Chicago and Full Sail University?

Columbia College Chicago typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, and may require a portfolio or audition depending on the program. Full Sail University also requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may require an interview or portfolio review. Full Sail often places more emphasis on your passion and commitment to the field than on traditional academic metrics.
How does the cost of attendance compare between the two institutions?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, Full Sail University's accelerated programs can result in a quicker path to graduation, potentially offsetting some of the tuition costs. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as available financial aid options.
What kind of facilities and equipment are available to students at each school?

Columbia College Chicago offers a range of facilities, including studios, labs, performance spaces, and editing suites, tailored to its diverse programs. Full Sail University is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment, providing hands-on experience with the tools used by professionals in the entertainment and media industries.
Which school is better for someone who wants a broad education versus a specialized one?

If you're seeking a broad education with exposure to various disciplines and a more traditional college experience, Columbia College Chicago is a strong choice. If you're looking for a highly specialized, career-focused education in entertainment, media, arts, or technology, Full Sail University is likely a better fit.

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