Columbia College vs. Judson University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Judson University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. Judson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Judson 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 Judson University than Columbia College ($18,673 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Judson University are 40.3% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($12,320 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 8.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Judson University (about $2,728 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at Columbia College than at Judson University (about $2,728 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Judson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 5.5% larger than aid received by Columbia College Chicago students ($24,024 vs. $22,780).

Columbia College vs. Judson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Judson 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 Judson University and Columbia College.

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJudson University 816/1118.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJudson University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Judson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 39.2% at Judson University.

Columbia College vs. Judson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Judson 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).

• Judson University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from Judson University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.