Campus Identity
Columbia College Chicago is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Approximately 5,368 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 89% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Michigan, just 0 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 53/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Columbia College Chicago is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Approximately 5,368 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 89% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Michigan, just 0 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 53/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Columbia College Chicago is a 5,000–9,999, urban school with an active Greek scene. The campus is 25 miles from Four Lakes.
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
44°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Columbia College Chicago students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Four Lakes, 25 miles away with 7 lifts and 9 skiable acres. All are within 52 miles of campus.
Illinois
Illinois
Wisconsin
Lake Life Campus
Lake Michigan is less than a mile from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Columbia College Chicago students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Michigan
Lake access within 0.4 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Chicago, IL
Chicago has a cool climate, with winters averaging 26°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: CHICAGO NORTHERLY ISLAND · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Columbia College Chicago in IL earns a composite safety score of 53/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $34,088 |
| Fees | $1,176 |
| Room & Board | $17,903 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $53,167 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
40 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Columbia College Chicago located?
Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL. The main campus address is 600 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College Chicago?
Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 89%, making it accessible. Out of 7,079 applicants, 6,333 were admitted in the most recent year. 5,368 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend Columbia College Chicago?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Columbia College Chicago charges $34,088/year in tuition. Including room and board ($17,903/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $27,786/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $26,598/year — what students actually pay. Use Columbia College Chicago's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Columbia College Chicago?
The undergraduate application fee at Columbia College Chicago is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Is Columbia College Chicago the right fit for me?
Whether Columbia College Chicago is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (89% admit rate), avg net price ($26,598/year after aid), campus culture in Chicago, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Columbia College Chicago against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Columbia College Chicago directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 44°F avg
- App Fee
- $25
- On Campus Safety Score
- 53/100
- Nearest Airport
- Chicago, IL (MDW) · 9 mialso ORD (16 mi), GYY (21 mi)
Location
Chicago, IL