Columbia College vs. University of Rio Grande

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than University of Rio Grande based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Rio Grande is in Rio Grande, OH (Distant Rural setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rio Grande is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; University of Rio Grande 20:1.

Columbia College vs. University of Rio Grande Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or University of Rio Grande? 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 University of Rio Grande than Columbia College ($24,061 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rio Grande are 49.1% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($10,500 vs. $20,629).
• Columbia College Chicago is 65.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Rio Grande (about $13,528 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $20,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.8% higher at Columbia College than at University of Rio Grande (about $13,528 more per year; $34,088.00 vs. $20,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at University of Rio Grande (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College Chicago students is 155.7% larger than aid received by University of Rio Grande students ($22,780 vs. $8,910).

Columbia College vs. University of Rio Grande Admissions comparison

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

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; University of Rio Grande - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at University of Rio Grande (3.06).

Columbia College vs. University of Rio Grande Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and University of Rio Grande? 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 University of Rio Grande's (27%).
• Graduates from Columbia College Chicago earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than University of Rio Grande graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Rio Grande students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 35%)

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.