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Compare colleges

Up to 4 at once. Figures are from the 2022-23 reporting year and are averages, so they will differ from what any one student pays or experiences.

  • Columbia College Chicago
  • Lewis University

What stands out

Lewis University has the lower average net price, Lewis University reports the higher graduation rate, Lewis University reports higher median earnings ten years on, while Lewis University leaves graduates with less median federal debt. Which of those matters more depends on what you need, and none of it predicts your own cost or your own chance of admission.

Columbia College Chicago compared with Lewis University
MetricColumbia College ChicagoChicago, ILPrivate nonprofit · 4-yearLewis UniversityRomeoville, ILPrivate nonprofit · 4-yearLowest net priceHighest graduation rateHighest retentionLowest median debtHighest median earnings
Cost
Average net priceWhat students on federal aid actually paid per year, after grants.$26,598$17,028lowest
Published costSticker price before aid. Few students pay it.$51,889$47,313
In-state tuition$34,088$39,200
Out-of-state tuition$34,088$39,200
Admissions
Acceptance rate89%71%
SAT midpointNot reported1,145
ACT midpointNot reported23
Outcomes
Graduation rateWithin 150% of normal time. Excludes transfer students.50%65%highest
Retention rateFirst-year students who come back for a second year.66%79%highest
Median debt at graduationFederal loans only. Private and parent loans are not included.$25,000$21,500lowest
Median earnings, 10 yrsReflects the subjects a college teaches and where it sits, not only its teaching.$42,195$66,099highest
Campus
Undergraduates5,3684,015

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, 2022-23. Blank figures mean the college did not report that measure, not that the value is zero. Acceptance rate and enrollment carry no highlight because neither a lower acceptance rate nor a larger campus is better in itself. How this works.