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Colleges / IL / Chicago
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Columbia College Chicago

Private nonprofit Chicago, IL · Urban · Great Lakes · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
50%
Graduation Rate
$42,195
Earnings (10yr)
$26,598
Net Price
89%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 89%, making it accessible to a wide range of students. With an enrollment of 5,368, the college maintains a vibrant campus life. This environment encourages creativity and collaboration among peers.

Graduates from Columbia College Chicago earn a median salary of $42,195 ten years after starting their careers. While the graduation rate stands at 50%, the school attracts a diverse student body, including 46% of students receiving Pell Grants. This reflects the college's commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged students, although specific mobility metrics are not available.

The net price of attending Columbia College Chicago is $26,598, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. This financial landscape means students should be prepared for some debt, but the earning potential in fields like Visual & Performing Arts and Communications can help graduates manage their finances. Students who thrive here often have a passion for creative disciplines and appreciate a supportive, urban environment.

Rankings

How Columbia Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation50%Earnings 10yr$42KNet Price$27KRetention66%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate46%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$21K$0-30K$21K$30-48K$26K$48-75K$36K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%2850000.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%224.6%MOBILITY4.09%

Cost & Financial Aid

$34,088
In-State Tuition
$34,088
Out-of-State
$26,598
Avg Net Price
$25,000
Median Debt
46%
Pell Grant Rate
56%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$20,924
Family Income $0–$30K
$21,423
Family Income $30K–$48K
$25,590
Family Income $48K–$75K
$36,436
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$32,596
6 Years After Entry
$37,399
8 Years
$42,195
10 Years
0.59x
Debt-to-Earnings
52%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$32,596 6yr $37,399 8yr $42,195 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

4.09%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
224.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
2850000.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.70
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
11.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.97
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

260500.000%
Inventor Rate
0
Total Patents
44
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 89%
Retention Rate 66%
Full-Time Faculty 37%
Faculty Salary (mo) $9,323
Diversity Index 0.72
First-Gen Students 25%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 70%
Communications 8%
Physical Sciences 4%
English & Literature 3%
Business & Marketing 3%
Computer Science & IT 1%
Humanities 0%

Quick Facts

Setting Urban
Region Great Lakes
Accreditor Higher Learning Commission
Predominant Degree Bachelor's
Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female
61%
White
40%
Hispanic
28%
Black
19%
Asian
4%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Opportunity Insights Patent Data

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