Columbia College vs. University of New England

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL with University of New England in Biddeford, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of New England is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,573 students vs. 5,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of New England is in Biddeford, ME (Small City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of New England is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; University of New England 11:1.

Columbia College vs. University of New England Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or University of New England? 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 Columbia College Chicago than University of New England ($29,473 vs. $40,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of New England are 12.7% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($18,000 vs. $20,629).
• University of New England is 29.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $10,122 more per year; $44,210.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at University of New England than at Columbia College Chicago (about $10,122 more per year; $44,210.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago as at University of New England (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of New England students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Columbia College Chicago students ($23,255 vs. $22,780).

Columbia College vs. University of New England Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or University of New England? 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 University of New England and Columbia College.

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; University of New England - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027; University of New England Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have the same average high school GPA (3.41) as students at University of New England (3.41).
• University of New England has a higher acceptance rate (91.6%) than Columbia College (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 12.4% at University of New England.

Columbia College vs. University of New England Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and University of New England? 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).

• University of New England's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from University of New England earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College Chicago graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of New England graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of New England graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of New England graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.