Columbia College Chicago
About
Columbia College Chicago is a vibrant, hands-on institution in the heart of the city's South Loop, renowned for its premier programs in the creative and media arts, particularly Cinema and Television Arts, Theatre, and Interactive Arts and Media. The campus culture is deeply collaborative, diverse, and active, providing students with an energetic, urban environment where they are encouraged to create, perform, and design from day one. What sets Columbia apart is its focus on immediate career preparation through instruction by working industry professionals, culminating in Manifest, a massive, block-spanning annual festival that showcases graduating student work directly to public audiences and creative recruiters.
Wikipedia:Columbia College Chicago (CCC) is a private art college in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1890, it has 4,200 students pursuing degrees in more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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Essay Requirements
Columbia College Chicago accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Columbia College Chicago is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.