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Columbia College Chicago and Wheaton College are both private nonprofit institutions — Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL and Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Chicago, IL · Private
Acceptance rate: 89.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,368
Tuition: $34,088/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 51.5%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Communication, English
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Chicago, IL with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Communication.
Wheaton, IL · Private
Acceptance rate: 87.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,121
Tuition: $45,546/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 84.8%
Top programs: Social sciences, Business and marketing, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Wheaton, IL with published program strength in Social sciences and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Columbia College Chicago | Wheaton College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | 87.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1260–1470 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 28–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,368 | 2,121 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $34,088/year | $45,546/year |
| Average net price after aid | $26,598 | $26,975 |
| Graduation rate | 51.5% | 84.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $42,195 | $63,756 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Chicago, IL | Wheaton, IL |
| Largest program areas | Visual and performing arts, Communication, English | Social sciences, Business and marketing, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (89.5% vs 87.4%). Columbia College Chicago has a lower average net price after grant aid ($26,598 vs $26,975). Wheaton College reports the higher graduation rate (84.8% vs 51.5%). Columbia College Chicago is the larger undergraduate campus (5,368 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Columbia College Chicago and Wheaton College
Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 89.5%; Wheaton College is around 87.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Columbia College Chicago tuition is $34,088/year. Wheaton College is $45,546/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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