Columbia College Chicago vs Concordia University-Chicago
Columbia College Chicago is a private college in Chicago, IL, and Concordia University-Chicago is a private university in River Forest, IL. Columbia College Chicago is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 93% at Concordia University-Chicago. Concordia University-Chicago is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,436 a year against $26,598 at Columbia College Chicago. About 50% of students graduate at Columbia College Chicago, compared with 41% at Concordia University-Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, Concordia University-Chicago alumni earn a median of about $54,089, against $42,195 for Columbia College Chicago.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
River Forest, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,368
1,323
Acceptance rate
89%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.17–3.67
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1230
990–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
19–25
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,598
$18,436
Full cost / yr
$51,889
$45,383
In-state tuition
$34,088
$37,488
Out-of-state tuition
$34,088
$37,488
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,924
$16,795
$30k - $48k
$21,423
$16,397
$48k - $75k
$25,590
$15,768
$75k - $110k
$31,677
$20,046
Over $110k
$36,436
$23,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
41%
Freshman retention
66%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$32,596
$44,405
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,195
$54,089
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
46%
First-generation students
25%
39%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Columbia College Chicago or Concordia University-Chicago harder to get into?
- Columbia College Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 93% at Concordia University-Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Columbia College Chicago or Concordia University-Chicago?
- Concordia University-Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,436 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,598 at Columbia College Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Columbia College Chicago and Concordia University-Chicago?
- Before aid, Concordia University-Chicago costs about $45,383 a year and Columbia College Chicago about $51,889. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Columbia College Chicago or Concordia University-Chicago?
- Concordia University-Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,795 there, against about $20,924 at Columbia College Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Columbia College Chicago or Concordia University-Chicago?
- Columbia College Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 5,368 undergraduates against 1,323 at Concordia University-Chicago.
- Does Columbia College Chicago or Concordia University-Chicago have a better graduation rate?
- Columbia College Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 41% at Concordia University-Chicago.
- Do graduates of Columbia College Chicago or Concordia University-Chicago earn more?
- Concordia University-Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,089 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,195 for Columbia College Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Columbia College Chicago and Concordia University-Chicago require SAT or ACT scores?
- Columbia College Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Concordia University-Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Columbia College Chicago and Concordia University-Chicago look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1230 at Columbia College Chicago and 990–1180 at Concordia University-Chicago. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Columbia College Chicago vs University of ChicagoColumbia College Chicago vs Northwestern UniversityColumbia College Chicago vs Northern Illinois UniversityConcordia University-Chicago vs Illinois Wesleyan UniversityConcordia University-Chicago vs Chicago State UniversityConcordia University-Chicago vs Governors State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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