Undergraduate Timeline & Dates

Admissions Timeline and Dates

Prospective Undergraduate Students: Spring and Fall 2024

You’re interested in Columbia, and we want to help you join our creative community. Below, you’ll find a timeline of important dates and info to keep you on track with the admissions process.

Each prospective student is different; we encourage you to contact us to discuss your next steps toward becoming a Columbia student so we can answer your questions.

  • September

    Application opens for Spring and Fall 2024

    Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Columbia College Chicago’s Admissions Review Committee will release its first-round of decisions for early applicants in late-October 2023. Thereafter, an admissions decision will typically be released within four weeks of completing the application and submitting all required materials. We do not offer an early decision or early action option, but we encourage students to apply as early as possible. Visit colum.edu/apply for more information.

    Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive instructions for how to access Columbia Connect. Columbia Connect will be your hub for everything related to your application and enrollment process at Columbia.

  • October

    Spring 2024 applicants (domestic only) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

    File your 2023-24 FAFSA using Columbia’s school code: 001665. You will also want to file the 2024-25 FAFSA when it becomes available (See December). Visit colum.edu/sfs for more information.

  • November

    Estimated financial aid packages become available for Spring applicants

    Students admitted for spring who have submitted the FAFSA will begin receiving their estimated financial aid packages. These electronic letters are an initial summary of your federal, state, and institutional financial aid and include an estimated cost of attendance. For more info following the receipt of your financial aid summary, visit colum.edu/awardletter.

    Complete the financial aid process

    Student Financial Services will begin sending notices regarding any additional documents that may be required to complete the financial aid process. Admitted students will be able to view any outstanding documents needed on Columbia Connect.

    The Spring 2024 applicaiton closes

    The Spring 2024 application will close on November 15, 2023.

  • December

    Application deadline for Acting (BFA); Musical Theatre Performance (BFA); Contemporary, Jazz, and Popular Music (BMus); and Music Composition (BMus) applicants

    All pre-screen audition and portfolio matierals, transcripts, and a completed application are due on December 1, 2023. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can find submission requirements at colum.edu/bfaStudents who are selected to continue in the process for these degree programs will be notified about scheduling an audition/interview in January.

    Fall 2024 applicants (domestic only) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

    File your 2024-25 FAFSA using Columbia’s school code: 001665.

  • January

    Application deadline for all other BFA programs

    All audition and portfolio materias, transcripts, and a completed applicatoin are due by January 17, 2024. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can find submission requirements at colum.edu/bfa

    Scholarship deadline for all BA and BS programs

    All audition and portfolio materias, transcripts, and a completed applicatoin are due by January 17, 2024. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can visit colum.edu/fra for a complete list of requirements.

    Spring semester begins

    The Spring 2024 semester will begin on Monday, January 22

  • April

    Financial Aid Packages Completed

    The delays in processing the FAFSA have affected the entire higher education landscape this year. As things stand now, we have been told that the Department of Education will begin transmitting FAFSA data to colleges in mid-March. If this timeline holds, we expect that we can begin sending complete financial aid packages to students in April. We're grateful for everyone's patience with this process.

    Apply for Campus Housing

    The housing application will become available in April for students who have submitted their $250 tuition deposit.

    The application requires a $500 deposit. Columbia expects new freshmen students coming from outside the Chicago metro area to live on campus during their first year. Housing assignments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can indicate preferences for room type on the housing application, but these preferences cannot be guaranteed. You can view floor plans and photos of available housing at the Housing and Residential Experience website.

  • May

    Register for classes

    Students who have confirmed their attendance can begin the registration process with the Registration Questionnaire, found on Columbia Connect. Your advisor will use your responses on the questionnaire to create a draft of your first-semester schedule. You’ll have a chance to discuss your schedule with your advisor and make any necessary changes once you've received it.

  • June

    Tuition Deposit Deadline

    New students are encouraged to confirm their attendance by submitting a $250 tuition deposit on or before June 1. The deposit is nonrefundable after June 1. If you cannot deposit by this deadline, please let us know.

    Return your housing contract

    Housing contracts are sent out on a rolling basis beginning in June. To receive a housing contract, you must be admitted to the college and complete a housing application. Visit colum.edu/residencelife for more information.

    Finalize your financial plan

    Many students and families use resources beyond those offered on the Financial Aid Award Letter to support their educational goals. Learn more about these resources—such as loans and employment-sponsored tuition plans—along with our payment plan options at colum.edu/createaplan.

  • July

    Submit final high school and college transcripts

    Students with academic work in progress at the time of admission are required to submit official copies of all final transcripts from their high school, junior/community college, or university to Columbia’s Admissions office. High school transcripts must indicate a graduation date. Late transcripts can complicate registration, financial aid, and payment for your first semester.

    Receive your roommate assignment and move-in date

    Students who intend to live on campus who’ve completed housing contracts will begin receiving room assignments, roommate information, and move-in dates. Visit the Housing and Residential Experience site for more information.

  • July–August

    Attend orientation

    All new students are required to participate in Orientation activities. Visit colum.edu/newstudents for more information.

  • August

    Submit payment or establish a payment plan

    By August 1, 2024, students must either pay in full for any portion of their bill not covered by secured financial aid or establish an automated payment plan. Students who register for classes after this date will have seven calendar days to establish payment arrangements. Visit colum.edu/paymentplan for more information.

  • September

    Move in to on-campus housing

    If you’re going to be living in on-campus housing, assigned move-in dates will be in late August or early September. Visit the Housing and Residential Experience site for more information.

    Fall 2024 semester begins

    The Fall 2024 semester will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

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