by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Columbia worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Columbia is ranked #2,551 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of A+ (top 1% for value). Within Illinois, it ranks #101 of 112 for value.
Among the majors Columbia offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | #1 of 2 |
| Photojournalism | #6 of 8 |
| Recording Arts Technology/Technician | #11 of 15 |
| Fine & Studio Arts Management | #11 of 18 |
| Music Management | #15 of 27 |
| Audiovisual Communications | #18 of 25 |
| Illustration | #22 of 59 |
| Intermedia/Multimedia | #24 of 34 |
| Arts & Media Management | #25 of 46 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects | #31 of 65 |
Below is the detailed Columbia value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Columbia College Chicago is ranked #60 out of #129 in Illinois for quality and #101 out of #112 for Illinois value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Columbia financial aid page to be sure.
Columbia College Chicago is ranked #2,551 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
The quality education Columbia College Chicago provides combined with its relatively low cost makes this school a great value.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Columbia costs about $27,624. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $110,497 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $52,253 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $26,598 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $27,624 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,497 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Columbia net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Columbia degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $209,012 | — | — |
| All Students | $110,497 | #2,551 | A+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $106,392 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $209,012 | — | — |
| All Students | $110,497 | #101 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $106,392 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Columbia shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $21,821 |
| $30K–$48K | $22,285 |
| $48K–$75K | $27,380 |
| $75K–$110K | $32,896 |
| Over $110K | $36,054 |
About 96% of Columbia undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $20,550 per year. Get more details on the Columbia financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Columbia cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.