National Louis University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

National Louis University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (8,915 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National Louis University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• National Louis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: National Louis University 17:1; Columbia College 20:1.

National Louis University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National Louis University or Columbia College? 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 National Louis University than Columbia College ($13,150 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 35% lower than at National Louis University ($9,552 vs. $14,700).
• Columbia College is 103.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than National Louis University (about $13,121 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.3% higher at Columbia College than at National Louis University (about $13,121 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at National Louis University (91% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 43.7% larger than aid received by National Louis University students ($15,882 vs. $11,056).

National Louis University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National Louis University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College and National Louis University.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National Louis University - Test-free; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.79 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at National Louis University (2.8).

National Louis University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National Louis University and Columbia College? 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's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than National Louis University's (26%).
• Graduates from National Louis University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, National Louis University graduates have a $2,197 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($19,837 vs. $22,034).
• Among borrowers, National Louis University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($205 vs. $227).
• More National Louis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (44% vs. 40%)

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.