Columbia College Chicago vs Illinois State University
Columbia College Chicago is a private college in Chicago, IL, and Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL. Illinois State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 89% at Columbia College Chicago. Illinois State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,398 a year against $26,598 at Columbia College Chicago. About 65% of students graduate at Illinois State University, compared with 50% at Columbia College Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois State University alumni earn a median of about $62,117, against $42,195 for Columbia College Chicago.
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 Illinois State University harder to get into?
- Illinois State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% 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 Illinois State University?
- Illinois State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,398 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 Illinois State University?
- Before aid, Illinois State University costs about $34,309 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 Illinois State University?
- Illinois State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,568 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 Illinois State University?
- Illinois State University is the larger of the two, with about 19,057 undergraduates against 5,368 at Columbia College Chicago.
- Does Columbia College Chicago or Illinois State University have a better graduation rate?
- Illinois State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 50% at Columbia College Chicago.
- Do graduates of Columbia College Chicago or Illinois State University earn more?
- Illinois State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,117 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 Illinois State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Columbia College Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Illinois State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Columbia College Chicago and Illinois State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1230 at Columbia College Chicago and 990–1210 at Illinois State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.