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Columbia College Chicago

600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605-1996, USA

Columbia College Chicago award
Columbia College Chicago award
US ranking
position: 779
Tuition & fees per year: $35,732
Acceptance rate: 91.00%
Median alumni salary: $24,908
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does Columbia College Chicago offer in terms of athletics?

Columbia College Chicago offers limited opportunities in collegiate athletics, primarily focusing on club and intramural sports rather than varsity-level competition. The college does not field NCAA teams but provides students with access to organized recreational activities and club sports that encourage physical fitness and community involvement.

Students interested in competitive sports often participate in leagues and events that are student-led or facilitated through campus recreation programs. This approach allows a broad range of students to engage in athletic activities without the intense commitment required by varsity sports programs.

Facilities for sports and fitness include spaces dedicated to exercise, group activities, and informal play, supporting the college's emphasis on wellness and student life outside of academics. While traditional intercollegiate athletics are not prominent, the availability of club sports and intramurals offers meaningful outlets for those looking to stay active during their studies.

What student groups and Associations are available at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago hosts a diverse student body with a total enrollment comprising 1,972 men and 3,198 women. However, specific details regarding student groups and associations, including information about the variety or percentage of students involved in social organizations, are not available at this time.

Who studies at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago hosts a diverse student body, balancing both new and transfer students. The college enrolls approximately 1,608 freshmen each year, a figure considered average and ranking in the top 40 percent nationally. Transfer students number around 553 annually, also classified as average and positioned in the top 45 percent. Altogether, the institution serves about 2,161 students, maintaining an average standing within the top 40 percent among peer institutions.

The age distribution demonstrates a predominantly traditional undergraduate population, with most students between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 2,486 undergraduates are aged 18 to 19, and 2,392 fall into the 20 to 21 range. There is a notable representation of older students as well, including 1,086 aged 22 to 24 and 353 between 25 and 29 years. Graduate students at Columbia College Chicago provide additional age diversity, including individuals across several age groups such as 25 to 29 years (73 students) and 40 to 49 years (14 students).

The college exhibits considerable ethnic diversity. Hispanic students number 1,515, placing them in the top 45 percent nationally. African American students total 1,004, positioning them in the top 35 percent. White students represent the largest group at 2,121, though their percentile ranks below average, falling in the bottom 50 percent. Other ethnic groups include 197 Asian students and 255 identifying with two or more races. Smaller populations consist of Native American students (13), Pacific Islanders (2), and 49 students with unknown ethnicity, each maintaining average percentile rankings.

How does student life look like at Columbia College Chicago?

Student life at Columbia College Chicago offers a variety of cultural and media-related activities that cater to creative interests. The college supports campus organizations such as a newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a chorus, and a television outlet, providing multiple outlets for student expression and involvement. While there is no campus band, the available artistic platforms allow students to engage deeply with their creative pursuits.

The institution also provides essential student services that contribute to well-being and support. These include a health clinic, psychological counseling, and offices dedicated to veterans' affairs. However, certain services like legal assistance and a women's center are not available on campus.

What libraries are available to students at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago provides students with access to a single library, the Columbia College Chicago Library. The institution does not have additional branch libraries, placing it in the lower range compared to other colleges in terms of the number of libraries available. The total volume of physical books stands at approximately 201,626, a figure that is moderate but ranks in the bottom 45% nationally.

Students benefit from a range of library resources, including 274 subscriptions to various publications and access to 46,258 digital subscriptions. The library's ebook collection is somewhat limited, with 42,561 titles available, ranking it in the lower 25% for ebook holdings among peer institutions.

The library subscribes to 155 databases, offering a fair selection of digital research tools that fall close to the median compared to other institutions. Weekly service hours total 75, ensuring regular access during the academic week, although the library does not offer all-day access.

Additional facilities include study rooms for group or individual work, physical library spaces, and digital access services. Library staff are trained to assist students, and there are established operating hours that provide reliable access. Furthermore, students can access shared collections, expanding the range of materials beyond those held directly by Columbia College Chicago.

Columbia College Chicago Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

5570

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

941

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

222 full time, 393 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Columbia College Chicago Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Columbia College Chicago Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Columbia College Chicago Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Columbia College Chicago Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Columbia College Chicago Location & Map

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