Meet the Newest Columbia College Chicago Creatives

new creatives
The Fall 2022 semester brings a class of students who embody the values and mission of Columbia College Chicago.

Preliminary demographic data show that Columbia College Chicago welcomed an extraordinarily diverse class of incoming students across disciplines for the Fall 2022 semester.  

More than 2,000 students joined the Columbia community, with around 1,600 new first-year students and more than 400 new transfer students. The preliminary data shows that this new cohort represents 46 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and 35 countries.  

“As we continue to return to more in-person classes, activities, and experiential opportunities, excitement and enthusiasm is all around,” Dean of Students Douglas Eck says. “In just the first two weeks, I am overjoyed at the level of ownership and self-advocacy I see our newest students taking— they truly are the authors of their experiences!” 

In this diverse new group, 63 percent of students are people of color, far above the national average of 45 percent according to the American Council on Education. Additionally, four in ten students identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.  

The cohort is also economically diverse, with more than half of the students being eligible for Pell Grants, which are for individuals with the greatest economic need. 

Columbia has a reputation as a college where creativity thrives, and the new class reflects that in their choices for study. The most popular majors with this group are Film and Television, Fashion Studies, Animation, Acting, and Audio Arts.  

“I firmly believe that creativity amplifies all our lives. In a society where challenges are abundant, the experiences and opportunities our students have at Columbia uniquely position them to strengthen our world,” Eck says.  

As the College welcomes all new and returning students, the application process for future semesters has started. Learn more about the programs we offer and apply today. 

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