2026-27 TRANSFER INFO FAST FACTS
TRANSFER PLANNING
Columbia College Chicago will accept a maximum of 75 transfer credit hours from accredited institutions. This includes AP/IB/ CLEP and other postsecondary credit. There is no minimum number of credit hours required to transfer.
Go to colum.edu/transferchecklist for a complete run-down of the steps to enrollment. You’ll also find specific school and program agreements at colum.edu/transfer.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
278 transfer students enrolled in Fall 2025. These students represented 23 states plus DC, and 13 foreign countries. 59%
70%
36%
identified as students of color
identified as first-generation college students
identified as members of the LGBTQIA+ community
66%
34%
63%
were from the Chicago metro area
transferred from a community college
lived in one of Columbia’s four residence halls
Required items: • Completed Columbia application—available at colum.edu/apply • Official transcripts from all colleges the student has previously attended. For students with a completed application who submit a FERPA waiver, Columbia College Chicago will order up to three transcripts from prior institutions. • Final High School or GED transcripts for students who: • Earned a GED or were homeschooled -or• Attended a non-US high school -or• Have earned fewer than 24 college credits at the time of application • Some BFA and BMus programs require portfolio review/ audition and have earlier deadlines. See colum.edu/bfa for complete details. Tuesday, December 1, 2026: Application deadline for Spring term Tuesday, December 1, 2026: Final deadline for the Acting for Stage and Screen, BFA; Comedy Writing and Performance, BFA; Fashion Design, BFA; Musical Theatre, BFA; and Performance and Songwriting, BMus - Fall term start only Thursday, April 1, 2027: Final deadline for all other BFA programs and priority deadline for all BA and BS programs Thursday, April 1, 2027: Application deadline for the Chicagoland Transfer Award - requires completed application to the college
Questions? Contact Admissions: 312-369-7130 | transfer@colum.edu colum.edu/transfer
2026–27 TRANSFER INFO
MAJORS AND PROGRAMS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Columbia’s 80+ majors and minors span disciplines in the fine, performing, visual, and media arts. Our curriculum is designed around the skills most in demand across the creative industries and is enriched by the expertise of our faculty, preparing students for professional success after graduation.
Columbia is proud to offer generous scholarship support to incoming transfer students. Here’s what your students need to know:
You can find a full list of our majors at colum.edu/majors.
CAREER OUTCOMES 96% of graduates in a recent survey reported being employed or achieving success in their creative practice within one year Top employers include: Cartoon Network, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, Shedd Aquarium, WBEZ, and WGN 65% reported completing at least one internship while they were enrolled Tom internship sites include: Apple Studios, Blumhouse, Chicago Bears, DreamWorks, Goodman Theatre, Leo Burnett, McDonald’s Creative, NASA, Netflix, Pitchfork Media, Second City, Walt Disney, Warner Bros.
• All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based aid. • All applicants with a portfolio or audition as part of their application are automatically considered for talent-based aid. • All members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are eligible for up to $3,500. See colum.edu/ ptk for complete terms. • The Chicagoland Transfer Award recognizes transfer students from eligible Chicago-area community colleges. Awards include one fulltuition scholarship and scholarships of up to $17,000 per year. Find more details at colum.edu/cta. • All applicants who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for need-based aid.* *Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA can contact transfer@colum.edu to learn about alternate options.
COMBINED DEGREE
PROGRAM
Why stop at only one Columbia degree? The Combined Degree Program will let your students earn graduate credits during the last year of their bachelor’sdegree. Many students need only one extra year to finish their Master’s. Transfer students should work closely with their transfer specialist to plan for combined degree completion. Learn more about the program requirements at colum.edu/combined.
TRANSFER EVENTS There’s no substitute for seeing our campus for yourself. Your students can find a complete schedule of events specifically for transfer students at colum.edu/transferevents. We’re here to walk them through the path to finishing their degree at Columbia.
Scan this code to sign up for Columbia’s counselor mailings, receive an informational package, and learn about future happenings and events on our campus.
Questions? Contact Admissions: 312-369-7130 | transfer@colum.edu colum.edu/transfer 44736_9/26