Columbia College vs. Ottawa University-Milwaukee

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL with Ottawa University Milwaukee in Brookfield, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Ottawa University-Milwaukee based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 116 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Ottawa University Milwaukee is in Brookfield, WI (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ottawa University Milwaukee is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Ottawa University Milwaukee 2:1.

Columbia College vs. Ottawa University-Milwaukee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Ottawa University-Milwaukee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Columbia College Chicago and Ottawa University-Milwaukee ($34,088.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Columbia College and Ottawa University Milwaukee ($34,088.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Ottawa University Milwaukee (100% vs. 0%).

Columbia College vs. Ottawa University-Milwaukee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Ottawa University-Milwaukee? 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 Ottawa University-Milwaukee and Columbia College.

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Ottawa University-Milwaukee - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.

Columbia College vs. Ottawa University-Milwaukee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Ottawa University-Milwaukee? 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).

• Graduates from Ottawa University Milwaukee earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ottawa University Milwaukee graduates have a $4,125 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($21,875 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Ottawa University-Milwaukee graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($226 vs. $268).
• More Ottawa University-Milwaukee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (46% 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.