Overview of Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago is one of the largest arts and media colleges in the United States. The institution offers more than 120 academic degree options and programs. Academics are divided into institutions of liberal arts and sciences, fine and performing arts, and media arts. The institution offers a mean class size of less than 20 and a 13 to 1 student-faculty ratio and is also home to more than 85 student organizations and clubs.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 6,825 (6,568 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 42% Male/58% Female
• 92% Full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $27,756
• Books: $1,600
• Room and Board: $16,000
• Other Expenses: $2,856
• Total Cost: $48,212

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 89%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 85%
  • Loans: 67%
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $10,012
  • Loans: $6,834

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Degree options: Cinematography and Film/Video Production; Retail Management; Graphic Design; Radio and Television; and Recording Arts Technology/Technician

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 68%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 38%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 48%

Overview of Columbia College Chicago Admissions

Admissions at Columbia College Chicago is not overly selective. The institution is test-optional, meaning that students can choose whether or not to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data

Columbia College has open admissions

• Columbia College Chicago Acceptance Rate: 87%

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Columbia College Chicago, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If Columbia College Chicago is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

University of Arizona, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of Alabama, University of Texas at Arlington, Pace University, University of North Texas

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Columbia College Chicago, then you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of Texas at San Antonio, Hampton University, Liberty University, Washington State University, East Carolina University, Texas State University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Columbia College Chicago. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Arizona, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of Alabama, University of Texas at Arlington, Pace University, University of North Texas

Applying to Columbia College Chicago

Application Deadline: August 15

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.colum.edu/admissions/requirements/freshman

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://apply.colum.edu/apply/?sr=43c5de92-5683-423e-b584-4825e003b3d4

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.colum.edu/admissions/requirements/graduate

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://apply.colum.edu/apply/?sr=83b42caa-53ea-4a6f-a6ac-38200f9e7b7a