Columbia College Chicago vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Chicago, IL — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, IL | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Private Nonprofit | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 5,368 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89.5% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | — | — |
| In-State Tuition | $34,088 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,088 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $26,598 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 49.9% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 66.0% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $32,596 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $42,195 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 626500.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Columbia College Chicago and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
Columbia College Chicago (Chicago, IL) has an acceptance rate of 89.5%, in-state tuition of $34,088, and median 10-year earnings of $42,195. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Columbia College Chicago or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $42,195. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Columbia College Chicago or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the more affordable option at $16,665 per year versus $26,598.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 49.9%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025