International applicants · 2026–27
Columbia College Chicago: what international applicants need
Chicago, Illinois
Requirements for the 2026–27 season, updated September 25, 2026.
Free. Your plan checks it against the rest of your list.
The questions international applicants ask
What are Columbia College Chicago's application deadlines for 2026–27?
Columbia College Chicago admits on a rolling basis for 2026–27: there's no single deadline, and it answers applications as they come in, so applying early is safer.
What is Columbia College Chicago's acceptance rate?
89.5% for students who started in fall 2024: Columbia College Chicago admitted 6,333 of its 7,079 first-year applicants.
- The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source
Does Columbia College Chicago require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?
No. Columbia College Chicago doesn't consider SAT or ACT scores for 2026–27 (test-blind), even if you send them.
- This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
How much is Columbia College Chicago's application fee for international students?
Columbia College Chicago charges no application fee, for international and US applicants alike.
Which English tests does Columbia College Chicago accept?
Columbia College Chicago doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.
- Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.
How many recommendation letters does Columbia College Chicago require?
Columbia College Chicago doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.
- Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
- Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.
Does Columbia College Chicago require the Common App personal essay?
No. Columbia College Chicago doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.
How many international students does Columbia College Chicago have?
236 of Columbia College Chicago's 5,422 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 4.4%.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source
How much does Columbia College Chicago cost for international students?
Columbia College Chicago's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $34,088, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $20,629. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $59,907 before any financial aid.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source
Every requirement, in one place
Deadlines
- Rolling admission: apply as early as you can.
- Application fee
- $0International applicantsUS applicants: $0
- Common App fee waiver
- —
- SAT / ACT
- Not consideredThis is the policy for American applicants. It can differ for international students: check the testing page.
- English proficiency tests accepted
- Listed on the university's site
- Letters and school reports
- No recommendation letters required
- Also required
- —