Your chances of getting into Columbia College Chicago
Open Admission Policy
Can I get into Columbia College? Columbia College Chicago is an open admission policy institution. Open admission colleges typically have few admission thresholds and will admit all applicants so long as certain minimum requirements are met. New admission is often granted continually throughout the year. Please consult Columbia College Chicago directly to learn the specifics of its open admission policy.
Columbia College GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Columbia College Chicago?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Columbia College are to have around a 3.41 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.41 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Columbia College accepts 95% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Columbia College is 3.41 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #27 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Columbia College is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Columbia College SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by Columbia College Chicago. The school has a test blind policy.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average SAT Score | N/A |
Columbia College ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average ACT Score | N/A |
High School Class Rank
70% of Columbia College Chicago freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 34% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 11% |
| Top 25% of class | 34% |
| Top 50% of class | 70% |
Applying
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 219 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Columbia College Chicago is $25.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Columbia College Chicago and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) |
| High School GPA | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Columbia College Chicago often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144281 IPEDS survey data for Columbia College Chicago.
Last updated February 24, 2024