Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, Illinois · Private
Columbia College Chicago admitted 74% of 10,839 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 48% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Columbia College Chicago
Enter a score to see whether Columbia College Chicago is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (74%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Columbia College Chicago’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Regular decision
- Rolling admission
The application is free.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Columbia College Chicago’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Columbia College Chicago doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
What admissions weighs
How Columbia College Chicago rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- –
Important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Considered
- Class rank
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Not considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.43 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $54,288 a year. After grants, students paid $29,790 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Columbia College Chicago’s acceptance rate?
Columbia College Chicago admitted 74% of applicants: 7,999 of 10,839 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Columbia College Chicago’s application deadline?
Columbia College Chicago uses rolling admission for 2026–27 and has no early round on the Common App, so applying early in the fall gives you the best shot at open spots and aid.
How much is Columbia College Chicago’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
Does Columbia College Chicago have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Columbia College Chicago asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one optional personal statement, 100–250 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
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Writing your essays? See Columbia College Chicago’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.