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Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, Illinois — 600 South Michigan Ave, 60605-1996

Annual Tuition $32,520
Enrollment 6,294
Acceptance Rate 91.2%
Median Salary $42,195

Columbia College Chicago is a leading Private nonprofit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. Established to provide high-quality education, Columbia College Chicago offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Columbia College Chicago Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 1/1/1967
Location Chicago, Illinois
Type Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment 6,294 students
Median Salary $42,195

Columbia College Chicago — Institution Overview

Institution Name Columbia College Chicago
Location Chicago, Illinois
Official Website https://www.colum.edu/
Address 600 South Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605-1996
Institution Type Private nonprofit
Total Students 6,294

Columbia College Chicago Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 91.2% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

Columbia College Chicago Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $32,520
Out-of-State Tuition $32,520
Pell Grant Rate 43.2%
Median Debt (Completers) $25,000

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Columbia College Chicago, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. salary after Columbia College Chicago

Master's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $41,789 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $33,972 4yr: $48,195
2

Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education. salary after Columbia College Chicago

Master's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $41,565 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $47,970
3

Journalism. salary after Columbia College Chicago

Master's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $41,025 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Columbia College Chicago Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

91.2% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 6,294
Undergrad 6,109
Retention Rate 64% full-time
Full-Time Students 95.1%

Courses and Academic Programs at Columbia College Chicago

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Design and Applied Arts.
Bachelor's
Graduates 543
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Bachelor's
Graduates 533
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Bachelor's
Graduates 305
Graphic Communications.
Bachelor's
Graduates 214
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management.
Bachelor's
Graduates 202
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.
Bachelor's
Graduates 127
Music.
Bachelor's
Graduates 117
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians.
Bachelor's
Graduates 112
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 100
Journalism.
Bachelor's
Graduates 77
Showing top 10 of 34 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Columbia College Chicago

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $42,195 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $32,596
Graduation Rate 48.5% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Columbia College Chicago
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $32,596
10 Years After Entry $42,195
Is Columbia College Chicago Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $26,788
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $42,195
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 626500%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Columbia College Chicago

Total Students 6,294
Undergrad 6,109
Graduate 185
Retention Rate 64% full-time

Gender Breakdown

61.5%
38.5%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 95.1%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
40.7%
Hispanic
28.8%
Black
17.7%
Two or More Races
4.5%
International
3.7%
Asian
3.5%
Unknown / Unreported
0.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 24.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 53.9%
🎖️
Veterans 0.3%
💍
Married Students 1.2%
📅
Students Age 25+ 6.2%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 19.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $72,555
Average Family Income $72,793
Median Family Income $49,117

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

57.4%
42.6%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 43.2% of students
Federal Loan Rate 57.3% of students
Avg Net Price $26,788 after aid
Median Debt $25,000 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $25,000
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $9,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,500

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Columbia College Chicago's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Columbia College Chicago Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Private nonprofit
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 1/1/1967
4-Year Graduation Rate 48.5%
Median Graduate Salary $42,195
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Columbia College Chicago meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Columbia College Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia College Chicago

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 91.2%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Columbia College Chicago?

Tuition at Columbia College Chicago is $32,520 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Columbia College Chicago?

Graduates of Columbia College Chicago earn a median salary of $42,195 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Columbia College Chicago located?

Columbia College Chicago is located at 600 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60605-1996. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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