Columbia College vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Ithaca College based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 4,767 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Ithaca College is in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Ithaca College 10:1.

Columbia College vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Ithaca College? 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 Columbia College Chicago than Ithaca College ($29,473 vs. $35,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 21.5% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($16,192 vs. $20,629).
• Ithaca College is 57.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $19,452 more per year; $53,540.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.1% higher at Ithaca College than at Columbia College Chicago (about $19,452 more per year; $53,540.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago as at Ithaca College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ithaca College students is 46.8% larger than aid received by Columbia College Chicago students ($33,450 vs. $22,780).

Columbia College vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Ithaca College? 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 Ithaca College and Columbia College.

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsIthaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsIthaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Ithaca College (69%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Columbia College vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Ithaca College? 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).

• Ithaca College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from Ithaca College earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More Ithaca College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 46%)

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.