Columbia College vs. East-West University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL with East West University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College Chicago is larger than East-West University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 468 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); East West University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East West University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; East West University 20:1.

Columbia College vs. East-West University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or East-West University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at East West University than Columbia College ($21,872 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East West University are 56.4% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($9,000 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 34.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than East-West University (about $8,693 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $25,395.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at Columbia College than at East West University (about $8,693 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $25,395.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at East West University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 93.5% larger than aid received by East West University students ($22,780 vs. $11,772).

Columbia College vs. East-West University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or East-West University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between East-West University and Columbia College.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; East-West University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at East-West University (2.67).

Columbia College vs. East-West University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and East-West University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia College Chicago's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than East West University's (8%).
• Graduates from Columbia College Chicago earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than East-West University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $27,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East West University graduates have a $1,668 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($24,332 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, East-West University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($251 vs. $268).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former East-West University students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 17%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.