Admissions Timeline and Dates
Prospective Undergraduate Students: Spring and Fall 2026
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.
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September
Application opens for Spring and Fall 2026
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 2025. 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.
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October
Domestic applicants should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Spring applicants should file the 2025-26 FAFSA using Columbia’s school code: 001665. Spring and Fall applicants will also want to file the 2026-27 FAFSA when it becomes available. Visit colum.edu/sfs for more information.
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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.
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December
The Spring 2026 application closes
The Spring 2026 application will close on December 1, 2025.
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 materials, transcripts, and a completed application are due on December 1, 2025. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can find submission requirements at colum.edu/bfa Students who are selected to continue in the process for these degree programs will be notified about scheduling an audition/interview once faculty review is complete.
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January
Application deadline for all other BFA programs
All audition and portfolio materials, transcripts, and a completed application are due by January 15, 2026. 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 materials, transcripts, and a completed application are due by January 15, 2026. 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 2026 semester will begin on Monday, January 26
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Feb/Mar
Admitted Students
Engage with Columbia by visiting campus or attending a virtual event. You'll find registration links on your Columbia Connect page.
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April
Attend an Admitted Student Day
Admitted Student Day is your chance to preview your Columbia College Chicago experience, meet with our faculty, connect with your future collaborators, and see what your life on campus will be like in the fall. You'll find registration links on your Columbia Connect page.
Apply for On-Campus Housing
The housing application will become available in April for students who have submitted their tuition deposits.
Columbia expects new freshmen students enrolling from outside the Chicago metro area to live on campus during their first year. You can view floor plans and photos of available housing at the Housing and Residential Experience website.
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May
Tuition Deposit Deadline
New students are encouraged to confirm their attendance by submitting a $250 tuition deposit on or before May 1. The deposit is nonrefundable after May 1. If you cannot deposit by this deadline, please let us know.
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.
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June
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 the Housing and Residential Experience website 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.
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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.
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July–August
Attend orientation
All new students are required to participate in Orientation activities. Visit colum.edu/newstudents for more information.
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August
Submit payment or establish a payment plan
By August 1, 2026, 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.
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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 2026 semester begins
The Fall 2025 semester will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.