Columbia College Chicago SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 75.5% acceptance rate, Columbia College Chicago is approachable, so your next edge is showing strong fit and follow-through, not chasing a single cutoff. Since scholarships listed here use GPA thresholds rather than SAT or ACT scores, protect your grades. If you test well, submit scores to add context, but do not treat them as required.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Columbia College Chicago facts and stats
Columbia College Chicago is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 5,422 students. Columbia College Chicago has a freshman retention rate of 66% and a 6-year graduation rate of 52%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. Its admissions process is test-optional.
Chicago, IL
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Key Columbia College Chicago application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
December 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Columbia College Chicago is test-optional, so use this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes if you want to strengthen your score. With the Regular Decision deadline on August 1, a December retake should still arrive in time for your application.
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What you'll actually pay
Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $33,782, and 84% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $11,723. Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline.
Columbia College Chicago’s listed cost of attendance is about $55,962, including tuition, fees, room and board. Financial aid is common, with 84% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $26,523. Merit awards average $11,723, and listed scholarships include GPA thresholds from 2.00 to 3.50 depending on the award. Students graduate with an average debt of $32,621.
Student life at Columbia College Chicago
34% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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