Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, Illinois 60605-1996
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Private urban college in Chicago
Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution in Chicago, Illinois. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A mid-sized campus of 6.3K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
48% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,195 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $26,788.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Columbia College Chicago was founded in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory by Mary A.
- •Blood and Riley became the college's first co-presidents, until Riley died in 1901; Blood served in this capacity until she died in 1927.
- •The school ran as a sole proprietary business from 1890 to 1904, when the school became incorporated by the state of Illinois.
- •On May 5, 1904, the school incorporated itself again in order to change its name to the Columbia College of Expression, adding coursework in teaching to the curriculum.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
43.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.4%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,500
Programs (43)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
64%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
47
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Chicago
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