Overview
Enrollment
Located in Chicago's South Loop district, Columbia College Chicago occupies multiple buildings across an urban campus integrated into the city's downtown arts and cultural corridor. The private institution, founded in 1890, specializes in media, arts, and communications education, offering programs in film, theater, music business, fashion, and creative writing. The college maintains a selective admissions process and operates as an open-access campus where students interact directly with Chicago's professional creative community. Columbia College Chicago features student housing in multiple high-rise residence halls, and its academic facilities include professional-grade recording studios, film stages, and performance spaces. The institution emphasizes hands-on learning and maintains strong connections to Chicago's entertainment and media industries through internship programs and professional partnerships.
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,800 |
| Other Fees | $1,786 |
| Room and Board | $16,838 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,130 |
| Total One Year Cost | $54,288 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 63% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Business | 9% |
| Communications Technology | 6% |
| English and Literature | 5% |
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144281 IPEDS survey data for Columbia College Chicago.
Current students may use the Columbia College Chicago GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025