Columbia College Chicago vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Chicago, IL — Worcester, MA

Metric
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Location Chicago, IL Worcester, MA
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 5,368 5,447
Acceptance Rate 89.5% 60.2%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $34,088 $60,965
Out-of-State Tuition $34,088 $60,965
Avg Net Price $26,598 $43,071
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $27,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 49.9% 89.1%
Retention Rate 66.0% 93.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $32,596 $85,038
Median Earnings (10 yr) $42,195 $103,470
Loan Repayment Rate 626500.0% 130900.0%

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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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Columbia College Chicago and Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA) has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, in-state tuition of $60,965, and median 10-year earnings of $103,470.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Columbia College Chicago or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $103,470 vs $42,195. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Columbia College Chicago or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Columbia College Chicago is the more affordable option at $26,598 per year versus $43,071.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 89.1% 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