Columbia College vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Rochester University 13:1.

Columbia College vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Rochester 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 Rochester University than Columbia College ($21,611 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 49.2% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($10,486 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 16.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $4,892 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.8% higher at Columbia College than at Rochester University (about $4,892 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago as at Rochester University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 15.8% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($22,780 vs. $19,674).

Columbia College vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Columbia College (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

Columbia College vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Rochester 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).

• Rochester University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from Rochester University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $1,597 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($24,403 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($252 vs. $268).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 45%)

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.