Columbia College vs. Maharishi International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL with Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Maharishi International University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 2,592 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Maharishi International University is in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Maharishi International University 13:1.

Columbia College vs. Maharishi International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Maharishi International University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Maharishi International University than Columbia College ($16,281 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 64.1% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($7,400 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 106.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Maharishi International University (about $17,558 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.2% higher at Columbia College than at Maharishi International University (about $17,558 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Maharishi International University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 98.2% larger than aid received by Maharishi International University students ($22,780 vs. $11,496).

Columbia College vs. Maharishi International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Maharishi International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Maharishi International University and Columbia College.

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Maharishi International University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027; Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027.
• Maharishi International University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Columbia College (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 75.3% at Maharishi International University.

Columbia College vs. Maharishi International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Maharishi International University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Maharishi International University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from Columbia College Chicago earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $29,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College Chicago graduates have a $13,037 lower median loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates ($26,000 vs. $39,037).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Maharishi International University graduates ($268 vs. $403).
• More Maharishi International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 46%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.