Columbia College Chicago vs University of Iowa
Chicago, IL — Iowa City, IA
| Metric | Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, IL | Iowa City, IA |
| Type | Private Nonprofit | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 5,368 | 22,264 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89.5% | 83.6% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,200 |
| In-State Tuition | $34,088 | $11,283 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,088 | $33,371 |
| Avg Net Price | $26,598 | $22,531 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $22,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 49.9% | 73.9% |
| Retention Rate | 66.0% | 90.4% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $32,596 | $52,696 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $42,195 | $64,762 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 626500.0% | 749800.0% |
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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University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Columbia College Chicago and University of Iowa 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. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) has an acceptance rate of 83.6%, in-state tuition of $11,283, and median 10-year earnings of $64,762.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Columbia College Chicago or University of Iowa?▼
University of Iowa graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,762 vs $42,195. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Columbia College Chicago or University of Iowa?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Iowa is the more affordable option at $22,531 per year versus $26,598.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
University of Iowa has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 73.9% 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