Columbia College Chicago is the largest and most diverse private non-profit arts and media college in the nation with more than 120 academic programs and nearly 12,500 students. Because of our size, we offer an unparalleled array of courses with exceptional technological resources in the heart of one of America's greatest cities.

Located in downtown Chicago's vibrant South Loop neighborhood, Columbia is a non profit creative academic community that takes a practical approach to arts education. Our programs in the visual, performing, and media arts are firmly rooted in a rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum, which provides students with the essential context in which to practice their craft, develop their voice, and launch a sustainable career.

Columbia is an eclectic, urban community located in the city’s Education Corridor. Close by are several other colleges and universities, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, the Chicago Symphony, the main branch of the Chicago Public Library, Lake Michigan, and the Goodman Theatre. Convenient public transportation allows Columbia’s faculty and students to use the entire city as a social, cultural, educational, and professional resource, effectively turning all of Chicago into our campus.

Just about every corner of Chicago speaks of our involvement in the community. Competitions, awards, and professional forums are sponsored by Columbia College Chicago. Current students, faculty, and alumni broadcast over the local television and radio airwaves, perform in our city venues, and publish writing available in our city bookstores. Every student at Columbia is a part of Chicago’s vibrant and inspiring urban life—as well as a critical player in the burgeoning growth of its world-class social and cultural scene.

Columbia College Chicago believes in the power of your creativity. Join our community of outstanding faculty and alumni by applying to become a fellow Columbia student today.

We pioneered the concept of developing a faculty of working professionals, believing that no one can teach better than those who have been there and done that and are still doing it. As a result, our programs stress the career outcomes of a higher education, and our staff of award-winning professionals produces alumni who, in turn, become award-winning professionals themselves.

Jessica Audey
Chicago Fashion Incubator designer-in-residence, creator of clothing line “AUDEY”

Lana Fertelmeister
Celebrity jeweler, creator of jewelry line “Lana Unlimited”

Anna Fong
Fashion Group International’s 2008 Rising Star of New Designers, creator of clothing line “Anna Fong Collection”

Scholarships can be an excellent way to help pay for college because scholarship award dollars do not need to be repaid. These awards are mainly intended to be used towards tuition and fee expenses and, on occasion, extend to cover living expenses associated with attending college.

Columbia College Chicago is very proud to offer a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. In 2012, nearly 45% of incoming students received scholarship support from the College. Awards averaged $5,000-$11,000 per student and were based on a variety of criteria including academic record, demonstrated financial need through a completed FAFSA, area of study, creative samples, and non-academic accomplishments. 

To help guide you through the scholarship process, Columbia has created a Scholarship Finder which enables students to enter his/her profile to see which Columbia College scholarship he/she may qualify for in the upcoming year.