Columbia College vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 5,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Columbia College vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University than Columbia College ($16,615 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Metropolitan State University are 23.1% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($15,864 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 246.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $24,248 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 246.4% higher at Columbia College than at Metropolitan State University (about $24,248 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 166.8% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($22,780 vs. $8,538).

Columbia College vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Columbia College (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Columbia College vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $8,008 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($17,992 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($186 vs. $268).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.