WELCOMES THE WORLD
ABOUT US
Columbia College Chicago offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees within a distinctive curriculum that blends visual, performing, and media arts, with technology, and business skills.
Scan this QR code to browse a full list of our majors, minors, and concentrations.
Chicago is a global metropolis of nearly three million people located in the center of the United States—and Columbia is situated right in the middle of it all.
We like to think of the city as an extension of our campus. As a Columbia student you’ll have theatres, galleries, restaurants, parks, museums, and concert venues to explore whenever you’re not in class—and sometimes when you are. Your time at Columbia will be filled with opportunities to engage with Chicago’s history, culture, and commerce.
IN THEIR WORDS: FINDING A HOME IN COLUMBIA’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY
CELINE BERGER
Frankfurt, Germany
Acting BFA they/them
“This place is creative, this place is breathing art, and you want to be part of this community. Trust me.”
DIEGO MADRIGAL
Naucalpan, Mexico
Film and Television BFA
he/him
“Columbia has been a great place for me to feel at home even though I’m far away from Mexico City.”
São Paulo, Brazil
Strategic Communication MA she/her
“I found the perfect creative environment. I felt safe to explore new paths and new experiences within my field.”
FEIHONG GUO
Beijing, China
Arts Management BA he/him
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore what’s available for you to discover across Columbia’s campus.”
NANNA GALLI
Columbia College Chicago Welcomes the World
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COST AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2025–2026 ANNUAL COSTS
Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees: $37,344
Estimated Annual Room and Board: $23,000
91%
of international students received a renewable scholarship. The average total scholarships of enrolled international students is $14,759 per year for four years.
Scholarship funds are typically divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters.
TAKE PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BUDDY PROGRAM!
The Buddy Program connects you with a current Columbia student who will support you before and after your arrival in Chicago. Your Buddy will share tips about campus life, introduce you to the city, and help you navigate your transition to becoming part of the Columbia College Chicago community.
AFTER GRADUATION
International students can work for up to one year in the US through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
OPT allows eligible F-1 visa holders who graduate from Columbia the ability to work in the U.S. for up to one year in their field of study after graduation. Many students secure exciting positions that build their portfolios and launch their careers, applying classroom skills to real-world professional experiences.
When your time at Columbia is done, you’ll be one of nearly 60,000 alumni working worldwide in the arts, entertainment, media, and communications industries.
A few of the places where you’ll find Columbia College Chicago alums: HBO, Chicago Humanities Festival, FCB Chicago, Gensler, Lands’ End, CBS, Leo Burnett, Lyric Opera, Ravinia Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, Anthropologie, NBC Universal, NASA, Chicago Sun-Times, and many others.
VISA INFORMATION
International students will be required to request a new (or transfer an existing) SEVIS I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. You’ll need the I-20 to obtain your F-1 student visa.
To issue the SEVIS I-20, Columbia requires:
• A photocopy of your passport showing your full name, date of birth, photo, and passport expiration date
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the full academic year
• An official bank statement that shows the name of the account holder and the amount of funds available
• A sponsorship verification form (if the funds are not from your personal bank account)
You can learn more about this process at colum.edu/international and colum.edu/sponsorship
We can also connect with you via email, WhatsApp, or WeChat! Get started at admissions@colum.edu.
Scan here to request more information about Columbia and stay up to date on requirements and deadlines.