Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

Total Enrollment

6,529

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

74 programs

Full-Time Students

6,013

331 part-time

Total FTE

6,187

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large

Major vocational institution

6,529

Total Students

Size compared to other colleges:

200 1K 2K 5K+

Program Diversity 74

High diversity

~88 students per program

Training Capacity

High

Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs

Market Position

Major Player

Among largest colleges nationally

Resource Level

Extensive

Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Columbia College Chicago operates as a large college with 6,529 students across 74 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 6,529 students, Columbia College Chicago is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 74 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 6,013 (94.8%)

94.8%

Part-Time Students 331 (5.2%)

Total Students 6,344

Predominantly full-time students (94.8%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Most students (92.1%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

61.4%

4,008 students

Men

38.6%

2,521 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

40.6%

2,652 students

White

40.6% (2,652)

Hispanic/Latino

28.2% (1,839)

Black/African American

17.6% (1,147)

International Students

4.6% (303)

Two or More Races

4.4% (289)

Asian

3.5% (226)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.2% (11)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (61%) across 6,529 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 41% of the student body (2,652 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 61% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

6,344 students

38% Men, 62% Women

6,013 Full-time 331 Part-time

Diversity Index: 72% • Minority Students: 50%

Graduate students

185 students

44% Men, 56% Women

133 Full-time 52 Part-time

Diversity Index: 74% • Minority Students: 30%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

6,146

All full-time students

2,340 men, 3,806 women

Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

6,013

Full-time undergraduate

2,284 men, 3,729 women

Diversity: 72%

FT Degree-Seeking

5,983

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

2,273 men, 3,710 women

Diversity: 72%

FT First-Time

1,578

Full-time first-time students

578 men, 1,000 women

Diversity: 72%

FT Continuing

4,405

Full-time continuing students

1,695 men, 2,710 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Transfer

536

Full-time transfer students

210 men, 326 women

Diversity: 73%

FT Continuing

3,869

Full-time other continuing

1,485 men, 2,384 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

11 men, 19 women

Diversity: 59%

FT Graduate

133

Full-time graduate students

56 men, 77 women

Diversity: 74%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

383

All part-time students

181 men, 202 women

Diversity: 72%

PT Undergraduate

331

Part-time undergraduate

156 men, 175 women

Diversity: 70%

PT Degree-Seeking

311

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

148 men, 163 women

Diversity: 70%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

12 men, 18 women

Diversity: 64%

PT Continuing

281

Part-time continuing students

136 men, 145 women

Diversity: 69%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

7 men, 10 women

Diversity: 74%

PT Continuing

264

Part-time other continuing

129 men, 135 women

Diversity: 68%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

8 men, 12 women

Diversity: 60%

PT Graduate

Part-time graduate students

25 men, 27 women

Diversity: 71%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,585

White

1,113

Black/African American

1,821

Hispanic/Latino

223

Asian

248

International

Diversity Index: 72% Minority Students: 50%

Graduate students

White

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 74% Minority Students: 30%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Columbia College Chicago

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Columbia College Chicago's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 6,529 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (92.1%) in a traditional academic setting.

• Academic Intensity: 6,187 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 58% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (15:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

3123691000

Address

600 South Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60605-1996

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials