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Columbia College Chicago vs DePaul University

Columbia College Chicago is a private college in Chicago, IL. DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, IL. DePaul University admits about 76% of applicants and Columbia College Chicago about 89%, making DePaul University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $26,598 a year at Columbia College Chicago after aid, and about $30,902 at DePaul University. About 69% of students graduate at DePaul University, compared with 50% at Columbia College Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, DePaul University alumni earn a median of about $68,751, against $42,195 for Columbia College Chicago.

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,368
14,090
Acceptance rate
89%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1230
1140–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
25–31
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,598
$30,902
Full cost / yr
$51,889
$63,052
In-state tuition
$34,088
$45,999
Out-of-state tuition
$34,088
$45,999
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,924
$27,359
$30k - $48k
$21,423
$25,950
$48k - $75k
$25,590
$28,687
$75k - $110k
$31,677
$31,057
Over $110k
$36,436
$37,092
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
69%
Freshman retention
66%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$32,596
$54,695
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,195
$68,751
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$23,168
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
32%
First-generation students
25%
30%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia College Chicago or DePaul University harder to get into?
DePaul University is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 89% 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.
Which is cheaper, Columbia College Chicago or DePaul University?
Columbia College Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,598 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,902 at DePaul University. 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 DePaul University?
Before aid, Columbia College Chicago costs about $51,889 a year and DePaul University about $63,052. 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 DePaul University?
Columbia College Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,924 there, against about $27,359 at DePaul University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia College Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University is the larger of the two, with about 14,090 undergraduates against 5,368 at Columbia College Chicago.
Does Columbia College Chicago or DePaul University have a better graduation rate?
DePaul University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 50% at Columbia College Chicago.
Do graduates of Columbia College Chicago or DePaul University earn more?
DePaul University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,751 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 DePaul University require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. DePaul University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1230 at Columbia College Chicago and 1140–1330 at DePaul University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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