North Park University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

North Park University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Park University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Park University 12:1; Columbia College 12:1.

North Park University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park 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 Columbia College than North Park University ($18,790 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 15.3% lower than at North Park University ($9,390 vs. $11,090).
• North Park University is 65.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $14,496 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.3% higher at North Park University than at Columbia College (about $14,496 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 48.8% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($24,476 vs. $16,451).

North Park University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Park University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming North Park University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 890/1162; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

North Park University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park 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).

• North Park University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from North Park University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $986 lower median loan debt than North Park University graduates ($25,264 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Park University graduates ($261 vs. $271).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 43%)

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.