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Dominican University and Columbia College Chicago are both private nonprofit institutions — Dominican University in River Forest, IL and Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, 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.
River Forest, IL · Private
Acceptance rate: 90.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,561
Tuition: $38,978/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 55.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in River Forest, IL with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
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.
| Factor | Dominican University | Columbia College Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90.3% | 89.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 880–1100 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 16–26 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,561 | 5,368 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,978/year | $34,088/year |
| Average net price after aid | $11,745 | $26,598 |
| Graduation rate | 55.3% | 51.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $60,327 | $42,195 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | River Forest, IL | Chicago, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology | Visual and performing arts, Communication, English |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (90.3% vs 89.5%). Dominican University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($11,745 vs $26,598). Dominican University reports the higher graduation rate (55.3% 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.
Common questions when choosing between Dominican University and Columbia College Chicago
Dominican University has an acceptance rate of 90.3%; Columbia College Chicago is around 89.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Dominican University tuition is $38,978/year. Columbia College Chicago is $34,088/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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