Is Columbia College Chicago worth it?
Chicago, IL · private-nonprofit
Verdict
Typical students pay $26,598 a year after aid, graduate with $25,000 in federal debt, and earn $32,596 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $268, with a debt break-even of about 7.7 years.
Net price / year
$26,598
Admission rate
89%
Graduation rate
—
Median debt
$25,000
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,596
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,195
Est. monthly loan payment
$268
Loan-to-income ratio
77%
Debt break-even
7.7 years
How Columbia College Chicago compares
FAQ
How much does it cost to attend Columbia College Chicago?
The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $26,598 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.
How much debt do Columbia College Chicago graduates typically carry?
Students who complete a program at Columbia College Chicago leave with a median federal debt of $25,000, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do Columbia College Chicago graduates earn?
Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $32,596, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at Columbia College Chicago?
Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.
Is Columbia College Chicago worth the debt?
Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 7.7 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.