Columbia College vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Marian University 11:1.

Columbia College vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Marian 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 Marian University than Columbia College ($22,697 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 52.3% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($9,849 vs. $20,629).
• Marian University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $1,090 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Marian University than at Columbia College Chicago (about $1,090 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 4.5% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($22,780 vs. $21,805).

Columbia College vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Marian 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 Marian University (3.16).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 18% at Marian University.

Columbia College vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College Chicago graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Marian 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.