by our College Data Analytics TeamIt is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at Columbia College Chicago.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $13,069 in 2026, with the price of an average meal plan at $4,834. All told, a student living on campus at Columbia College Chicago spent approximately $28,949 in 2026 across housing, dining, books and other living expenses.
Discover housing costs for both on-campus and off-campus, as well as meals and other expenses at Columbia College Chicago.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $23,919 | $26,690 |
| — Housing | $13,069 | |
| — Meals | $4,834 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $3,130 | $3,130 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Total | $28,949 | $31,720 |
Housing and dining costs rarely hold still from one year to the next. Knowing where it is headed helps you budget for the full degree, not just year one.
Over four years you could pay about $136,388 by the time you graduate.
Below is how room and board has changed across recent reported years — and where current trends point — at Columbia College Chicago.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $19,312 |
| Two Years Ago | $20,990 |
| One Year Ago | $19,968 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $23,919 |
| One Year From Now * | $25,821 |
| Two Years From Now * | $27,874 |
| Three Years From Now * | $30,090 |
| Four Years From Now * | $32,483 |
* estimated
On-campus room and board has trended up an average of 8.0% each year. Based on current trends, incoming freshmen can expect to pay about $30,851 in their first year.
Continuing the same trend, the final-year cost would be roughly $37,513 for a bachelor’s program; a two-year student would see about $32,904 in their second and final year.
Over the entire degree (assuming you graduate on time), the total comes to about $136,388 for a four-year degree, versus about $63,755 for two years on campus.
Most schools raise housing and dining costs gradually each year, so today’s figure is unlikely to be what you pay all four years.
Not all meal plans work the same way. This school structures its plans by meals per week, and the table below lists the largest plan offered. For details on living on campus, including capacity, see the table below.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 2,105 |
| Meals Per Week Included in Max Meal Plan | 15 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |