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Columbia College Chicago

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Columbia College Chicago is a private, nonprofit college for creative fields in downtown Chicago, Illinois (United States), with its campus in the South Loop, along the city's Cultural Mile. Founded 135 years ago, it combines creative and media arts with the liberal arts and business. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has an average student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.

The college offers 40 degree programmes, 33 undergraduate and 7 graduate, plus minors and certificates in these areas:

  • Business and management
  • Communication and writing
  • Media and digital arts
  • Music and sound
  • Performing arts
  • Visual arts

Students come from all 50 U.S. states and more than 65 countries. An international admissions team handles applications, there is no application fee, and incoming international students are considered automatically for the Columbia Excellence Award, a merit scholarship. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) helps with visa questions. Nearly 1,700 students live in the college's four residence halls, next to the main campus.

All Programs Available:
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Language of instruction

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Type of school

Private University

Telephone

+1 312 369 1000

URL

https://www.colum.edu/

Location

600 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, The United States, 60605

More information about Academic Programs

Columbia offers 33 undergraduate programmes (BA, BFA, BS and BMus), as well as minors and certificates. Examples by area:

  • Film and media: Film and Television, Animation and Computer Graphics, Game and Interactive Media Design
  • Music and sound: Audio Arts, Music Production, Music Technology, Performance and Songwriting, Music Business
  • Performing arts: Acting for Stage and Screen, Comedy Writing and Performance, Dance, Musical Theatre
  • Design and visual arts: Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Architecture, Photography
  • Communication and writing: Journalism and Communication, Creative Writing, Marketing
  • Business: Arts and Entertainment Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

More information about Graduate Programs

  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (MAM)
  • Business Innovation (MBI)
  • Entrepreneurship for Creatives (MA)
  • Film and Television Directing (MFA)
  • Music Composition for the Screen (MFA)
  • Strategic Communication (MA)
  • Global Beauty Management and Screenwriting and Development (MA, online)
  • Graduate certificates (hybrid or online) and a combined bachelor's and master's programme

Admission Requirements

Students who need a student visa apply as international students, through Columbia's application or the Common App. There is no application fee.

  • Official secondary school (and any college) records, with an official English translation if needed
  • Credits from outside the U.S.: evaluation by an AICE or NACES approved organisation
  • Proof of English proficiency and a short personal statement
  • Portfolio or audition for BFA and BMus applicants
  • For the I-20 in 2026-2027: proof of funds of at least US$64,453

Graduate applicants who need an F-1 visa are encouraged to apply at least two months before the fall semester starts in early September.

Language Requirements

Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must prove their English level. Undergraduate:

  • TOEFL iBT: 80 recommended (550 paper-based)
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 60
  • Duolingo: 105
  • Cambridge English: 176 (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)

Graduate (recommended): TOEFL iBT 90 (tests before 21 January 2026) or 5 (from 21 January 2026), IELTS 7, Duolingo 115. Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Ghana or Singapore do not need proof.

Financial Aid

Incoming international students are considered automatically for the Columbia Excellence Award, a renewable merit scholarship based on cumulative GPA: US$12,500 (3.75 or higher), US$10,500 (3.3-3.74) or US$8,500 (3.0-3.29). The Faculty Recognition Award is a competitive talent scholarship, renewable for up to four years, awarded on the basis of a portfolio or audition. Enrolled students can also apply for more than 30 internal scholarships.

Housing

Columbia has four residence halls, all steps from the main campus buildings and close to public transport, housing nearly 1,700 students. Features and room types vary by building. New first-year students are encouraged to live on campus in their first year.

Apply Online

https://www.colum.edu/admissions/requirements/international/undergraduate


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