Columbia College vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Rockford University is in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Rockford University 10:1.

Columbia College vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Rockford 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 Rockford University than Columbia College ($23,642 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 44.6% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($11,420 vs. $20,629).
• Rockford University is 10.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $3,692 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.8% higher at Rockford University than at Columbia College Chicago (about $3,692 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 12.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College Chicago students ($25,671 vs. $22,780).

Columbia College vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Columbia College (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

Columbia College vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.