Columbia College Chicago Admissions Profile

Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL. It serves roughly 6,378 students with a student-faculty ratio near 15:1. Recent admissions cycles report an acceptance rate around 91%. Estimated in-state tuition is $31,026 ($31,026 for out-of-state). Graduates report median earnings near $34,800.

Columbia College Chicago is an undergraduate and graduate institution whose principal commitment is to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity in the arts, communications, and public information within a context of enlightened liberal education. Columbia’s intent is to educate students who will communicate creatively and shape the public’s perceptions of issues and events and who will author the culture of their times. Columbia is an urban institution whose students reflect the economic, racial, cultural, and educational diversity of contemporary America. Columbia conducts education in close relationship to a vital urban reality and serves an important civic purpose by active engagement in the life and culture of the city of Chicago.

Admissions Snapshot

Acceptance rate: 91%
First-year retention: 64%
Graduation rate: 48%

Costs & Financial Aid

In-state tuition: $31,026
Out-of-state tuition: $31,026
Average net price: $49,799
Pell grant recipients: 41%

Academic Highlights

Popular program: Design
Popular program: Science
Popular program: Technology
Popular program: Liberal Arts
Popular program: Business
Popular program: Communication
Popular program: Music
Popular program: Art & Design
Popular program: Performing Arts
Popular program: Visual Arts
Popular program: Architecture
Popular program: Audio

Student Experience

Campus life: Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Campus life: Disability Services
Campus life: Intramural/Club Sports
Campus life: LGBTQIA Services
Campus life: Military/Veteran Services
Campus life: Night Class Offerings
Campus life: On-Campus Housing
Campus life: Study Abroad
Campus life: Undergraduate Research
Campus life: Veteran Fee Waiver

Upcoming Admissions Events

Register for this Appointment: August 17, 2026 at 9:15 AM (On-campus) — counselor meeting
Sign Up For This Tour: August 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM (On-campus) — Faculty Event
Register for this Appointment: August 17, 2026 at 1:15 PM (On-campus) — counselor meeting
Sign Up For This Tour: August 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM (On-campus) — Faculty Event

Career Outcomes

Median graduate earnings reach $34,800, underscoring the return on investment for Columbia College Chicago students.