Columbia College Chicago was founded in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory, a name inspired by the upcoming World's Columbian Exposition. By 1922, it was known as the Columbia College of Expression. A renewed, co-educational version emerged in 1936, emphasizing the growing field of radio broadcasting.

With more than 120 academic programs and nearly 12,500 students, Columbia College Chicago is the largest and most diverse private arts and media college in the nation. Because of our size, we can offer an unparalleled array of courses with exceptional technological resources in the heart of one of America's greatest cities.

From these relatively modest beginnings, the college has grown into the largest arts and media college in the nation. And with 25 buildings and more than 1.3 million square feet of academic, performing, gallery, and office space, Columbia is the largest landowner in Chicago's burgeoning South Loop.