Private school5.4K

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

HSITest-FreeLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Acting for Stage and Screen

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

Training

Forward-thinking curriculum rooted in dynamic and varied approaches to training

Cross-disciplinary collaborations with School of Film and Television for on-camera opportunities

Training encourages individual growth, creative collaboration, and critical cultural engagement

Notable Alumni

Joseph Sikora '98 — star of Power and Power Book IV: Force on Starz; Jeff Award nominee

Caroline Neff '07 — acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre actor, honored in Chicago Tribune's Best of 2025

Anne Trodden '09 — praised for her portrayal of Harper Pitt in Angels in America

Ryan Hake '14 — recognized for his performance as Prior Walter in Angels in America

Professional Development

Professional internships and career readiness courses

Opportunity to audition for Acting Senior Showcase, a platform for entry into Chicago's professional performance community

Wide set of minors available to enhance knowledge and professional networks

School Info

Snapshot

3.52

Avg GPA (W)

89%

Admit Rate

school-wide

52%

Grad Rate

5.4K

Enrollment

$42K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$37,390

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$66,290

Before aid

Average Net Price

$26,598

After aid

2026 27 Undergradnew · colum.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 26, 3:10 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Forward-thinking curriculum rooted in dynamic and varied approaches to training

Cross-disciplinary collaborations with School of Film and Television for on-camera opportunities

Training encourages individual growth, creative collaboration, and critical cultural engagement

Notable Alumni

Joseph Sikora '98 — star of Power and Power Book IV: Force on Starz; Jeff Award nominee

Caroline Neff '07 — acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre actor, honored in Chicago Tribune's Best of 2025

Anne Trodden '09 — praised for her portrayal of Harper Pitt in Angels in America

Ryan Hake '14 — recognized for his performance as Prior Walter in Angels in America

Professional Development

Professional internships and career readiness courses

Opportunity to audition for Acting Senior Showcase, a platform for entry into Chicago's professional performance community

Wide set of minors available to enhance knowledge and professional networks

Program Highlights

Training

Forward-thinking curriculum rooted in dynamic and varied approaches to training

Cross-disciplinary collaborations with School of Film and Television for on-camera opportunities

Training encourages individual growth, creative collaboration, and critical cultural engagement

Notable Alumni

Joseph Sikora '98 — star of Power and Power Book IV: Force on Starz; Jeff Award nominee

Caroline Neff '07 — acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre actor, honored in Chicago Tribune's Best of 2025

Anne Trodden '09 — praised for her portrayal of Harper Pitt in Angels in America

Ryan Hake '14 — recognized for his performance as Prior Walter in Angels in America

Professional Development

Professional internships and career readiness courses

Opportunity to audition for Acting Senior Showcase, a platform for entry into Chicago's professional performance community

Wide set of minors available to enhance knowledge and professional networks

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Opens

Common Application opens for Fall 2027Aug 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Applications OpenSep 8, 2026

Deadline

Fall 2027 priority application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Priority deadline for programs outside the final-deadline groupJan 15, 2027

Freshman · colum.edu Timeline · colum.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Deadline

Priority portfolio materials and application deadline (for admission and scholarship review)Jan 15, 2027

Timeline · colum.edu

Scholarship Audition Requirements

Optional audition for scholarship consideration only; it is not required for program admission.

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues (Optional — for Faculty Recognition Award)

60-90 seconds each

Total video runtime: maximum 3 minutes

Recorded in a well-lit environment with high-quality audio

Additional Materials

Resume

Submit a full resume covering theatrical, educational, and community activity history

Portfolio And Audition Requirements · colum.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the college application before uploading portfolio materials

Common App users should allow 24 hours after submitting Common App before Columbia Connect access is activated

Important Notes

Fall 2026 applications are closed

Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 applications open September 8, 2026

Current 2027 portfolio guidelines are published on Columbia's official requirements page

Priority application deadline: November 1, 2026

Portfolio materials for programs not covered by the December 1 deadline are due January 15, 2027 for priority admission and scholarship review

BA portfolio materials are optional for admission; a submission is required for Faculty Recognition Award consideration

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

No audition is required for BA program admission

Portfolio or audition submission is optional but encouraged

Submission is the only way to be considered for the Faculty Recognition Award

Submit materials through Columbia Connect after your application is processed

Scholarship Info

Faculty Recognition Award

Columbia College Chicago's talent-based scholarship program for new, incoming students

Awards range from $500 to full-tuition

Up to five full-tuition awards available annually

Renewable each year up to 120 credit hours or four years (requires full-time enrollment, 2.0 GPA, 67% completion rate)

Applied toward tuition only

Available only to students who submit portfolio/audition materials

School Info

Snapshot

3.52

Avg GPA (W)

89%

Admit Rate

school-wide

52%

Grad Rate

5.4K

Enrollment

$42K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$37,390

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$66,290

Before aid

Average Net Price

$26,598

After aid

2026 27 Undergradnew · colum.edu College Scorecard

Training

Forward-thinking curriculum rooted in dynamic and varied approaches to training

Cross-disciplinary collaborations with School of Film and Television for on-camera opportunities

Training encourages individual growth, creative collaboration, and critical cultural engagement

Notable Alumni

Joseph Sikora '98 — star of Power and Power Book IV: Force on Starz; Jeff Award nominee

Caroline Neff '07 — acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre actor, honored in Chicago Tribune's Best of 2025

Anne Trodden '09 — praised for her portrayal of Harper Pitt in Angels in America

Ryan Hake '14 — recognized for his performance as Prior Walter in Angels in America

Professional Development

Professional internships and career readiness courses

Opportunity to audition for Acting Senior Showcase, a platform for entry into Chicago's professional performance community

Wide set of minors available to enhance knowledge and professional networks

Updated Aug 26, 3:10 PM