Columbia College vs. Martin University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Martin University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 198 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Martin University is in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Martin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Martin University 14:1.

Columbia College vs. Martin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Martin 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 Martin University than Columbia College ($18,114 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin University are 60.5% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($8,140 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 158.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Martin University (about $20,888 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 158.2% higher at Columbia College than at Martin University (about $20,888 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Martin University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 352.2% larger than aid received by Martin University students ($22,780 vs. $5,038).

Columbia College vs. Martin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Martin 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 Martin 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; Martin University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.

Columbia College vs. Martin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Martin 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 Martin University's (8%).
• Graduates from Columbia College Chicago earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Martin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $25,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College Chicago graduates have a $15,750 lower median loan debt than Martin University graduates ($26,000 vs. $41,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $163 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Martin University graduates ($268 vs. $431).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Martin University students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 11%)

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.