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Columbia College Chicago
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in IL. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$32,520
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
91.2%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
47.8%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$42,195
10y Career Outlook
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About Institution
Columbia College Chicago is a distinguished Private nonprofit, 4-Year institution located in Chicago, IL. With a competitive tuition profile of $32,520, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 47.8% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$130,080
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
10.7 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$12,195
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
-$8,130
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$113,820
Long-term projected return on your education investment
Graduation Rate: 48%
Students who don't graduate may still carry debt without the full earnings benefit. Consider program-specific outcomes in the Career Paths section below.
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Columbia College Chicago is $25,000.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
15
Burglary
1
Theft
0
Assault
1
Robbery
4
Rape
9
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$32,520
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
64.0%
Success
47.8%
In-State Cost
$32,520
Age 25+ Students
6.2%
Carnegie Class
Master's: Medium
Working at 6yr
3,317 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.