Choosing the right college or university can be a difficult decision, and it often comes down to comparing the specific features and options each institution offers. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Columbia College Chicago and Columbia University, examining their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. Let’s begin with an overview of each school to set the stage for the comparison.
Columbia College Chicago Overview
Columbia College Chicago is a private college located in the heart of downtown Chicago, known for its focus on arts, media, and communications. Founded in 1890, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to its diverse student body. With an emphasis on creativity and innovation, Columbia College Chicago provides a unique educational experience that combines practical skills and a strong foundation in liberal arts.
Columbia College Chicago Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Columbia College Chicago is relatively affordable compared to many private colleges. The estimated annual tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $27,756 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional costs, such as housing, meal plans, books, and supplies, can bring the total annual cost of attendance to around $45,000-$55,000, depending on the student’s living arrangements and other personal expenses.
Columbia College Chicago Admissions
Admission to Columbia College Chicago is considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 87%. The college has a rolling admissions policy and does not require standardized test scores for admission. Applicants must submit a high school transcript, a personal essay, and a creative portfolio for certain programs.
Columbia College Chicago Degrees Offered
Columbia College Chicago offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as film, television, theatre, dance, music, photography, creative writing, and more. The college is divided into several schools, including the School of Media Arts, School of Fine and Performing Arts, and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Columbia College Chicago Academics
Columbia College Chicago is known for its hands-on, practical approach to education, combining classroom learning with real-world experiences. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as numerous internship and networking opportunities within their respective industries. The college prides itself on its innovative curriculum, which emphasizes collaboration and project-based learning.
Columbia College Chicago Diversity
With a student population of around 6,100 students, Columbia College Chicago is known for having a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds, and offers various programs and resources to promote diversity and inclusion.
Columbia College Chicago Students
Students at Columbia College Chicago are often described as creative, passionate, and driven. The college attracts students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and diverse campus community. Many students are involved in various clubs and organizations, and the college hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year to encourage student engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
Columbia College Chicago Campus
The urban campus of Columbia College Chicago spans several city blocks in downtown Chicago, offering students access to numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. The college’s facilities include state-of-the-art studios, labs, and classrooms, as well as residence halls, dining options, and recreational spaces.
Columbia College Chicago Alumni
Columbia College Chicago boasts a strong alumni network of over 100,000 professionals working in various creative industries. Notable alumni include Emmy Award-winning television producer Shonda Rhimes, Academy Award-winning cinematographer Mauro Fiore, and Grammy Award-winning musician Che “Rhymefest” Smith.
Columbia College Chicago Rankings
Columbia College Chicago is consistently ranked among the top schools for media arts, film, and photography. In 2021, The Hollywood Reporter ranked the college #18 on its list of the top 25 American film schools. Additionally, Animation Career Review ranked Columbia College Chicago #6 among the top animation schools in the Midwest.
Columbia College Chicago Outcomes
Columbia College Chicago has a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields. According to the college’s 2020 outcomes data, 82% of graduates were employed within one year of graduation, and 88% of those employed were working in their field of study.
Columbia University Overview
Columbia University is an Ivy League institution located in New York City. Founded in 1754, it is the oldest college in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. Columbia University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across 20 schools and affiliates, including Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies.
Columbia University Costs & Tuition
As an Ivy League institution, Columbia University has a higher tuition rate than many other schools. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated annual tuition for full-time undergraduate students is $61,850. Including housing, meal plans, books, and other expenses, the total annual cost of attendance can range from $75,000-$85,000.
Columbia University Admissions
Admission to Columbia University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 5.9%. Applicants are required to submit SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The university also considers extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and other factors when making admissions decisions.
Columbia University Degrees Offered
Columbia University offers over 350 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, from architecture and engineering to humanities and social sciences. The university is particularly renowned for its professional schools, such as the Columbia Business School, Columbia Law School, and the Mailman School of Public Health.
Columbia University Academics
Columbia University is known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty, which includes numerous Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners. The university’s Core Curriculum is a distinctive feature of its undergraduate education, requiring students to complete a series of courses in literature, philosophy, history, art, and more to develop a strong foundation in liberal arts and critical thinking.
Columbia University Diversity
Columbia University has a diverse student body, with students representing over 150 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and offers various resources and support services to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Columbia University Students
Columbia University students are known for being academically driven and intellectually curious. The diverse student population contributes to a vibrant campus community, with many clubs and organizations to join and events to attend.
Columbia University Campus
Columbia University’s campus is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, providing students with access to the cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities of New York City. The campus features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with notable buildings such as the iconic Low Memorial Library and the contemporary Jerome L. Greene Science Center.
Columbia University Alumni
Columbia University has an extensive alumni network of over 350,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant success in their fields. Notable alumni include U.S. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Barack Obama, Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Neil Gorsuch, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Warren Buffett.
Columbia University Rankings
Columbia University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and the world. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked Columbia University #3 among National Universities and #7 in Best Value Schools. QS World University Rankings ranked Columbia #19 globally in their 2021 rankings.
Columbia University Outcomes
Columbia University graduates have a high rate of success in terms of employment and further education. According to the university’s 2020 outcomes data, 96% of graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Columbia College Chicago vs Columbia University Cost Comparison
When comparing costs, Columbia University has a significantly higher tuition rate than Columbia College Chicago, with an annual tuition of $61,850 compared to $27,756. However, both institutions offer financial aid packages and scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance. Overall, the cost of attendance at Columbia University is estimated to be between $75,000 and $85,000 per year, while Columbia College Chicago’s total annual cost ranges from $45,000 to $55,000.
Columbia College Chicago vs Columbia University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Columbia University are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 5.9%, while Columbia College Chicago has a more moderate acceptance rate of 87%. Therefore, it is significantly more difficult to gain admission to Columbia University than Columbia College Chicago.
Columbia College Chicago vs Columbia University Academic Difficulty
While both institutions offer rigorous academic programs, Columbia University’s Ivy League status and renowned faculty may contribute to a more challenging academic experience. Additionally, Columbia University’s Core Curriculum is known for its rigor and breadth, requiring students to complete a series of courses covering a wide range of disciplines.
Columbia College Chicago vs Columbia University Outcome Comparison
In terms of post-graduation outcomes, Columbia University has a higher employment rate, with 96% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, compared to Columbia College Chicago’s 82%. However, both institutions have strong alumni networks and are known for preparing their graduates for successful careers in their respective fields.
