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Columbia College Chicago is a private, coeducational college located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. It is a non-profit institution dedicated to providing a distinct education in the arts, media, and communications. The college operates with an open-admissions policy and an urban focus, aiming to cultivate a diverse student body of creative and scholarly students for careers in the dynamic creative economy. The curriculum is highly career-focused, emphasizing hands-on learning, technological proficiency, and professional preparation across its diverse array of specialized programs.

The college was founded in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory by Mary A. Blood and Ida Morey Riley. Its original mission was to train speakers and dramatic performers. The institution quickly expanded its focus to include a broader range of artistic and communication studies. In 1904, it was renamed Columbia College of Expression, and later, in 1963, it became Columbia College Chicago, reflecting its commitment to a comprehensive arts and media curriculum. A key feature of its history is its commitment to progressive education and its rapid expansion in the 20th century, particularly as it acquired buildings in Chicago's South Loop to establish its current, large, urban campus, making it a central fixture in the city's arts district.

Columbia College Chicago is a unique and vital institution in the landscape of creative education, defined by its progressive history and its commitment to accessibility in the arts and media fields. By focusing entirely on professional preparation and creative practice within a bustling urban environment, the college successfully equips a diverse student body with the skills and portfolios needed for the creative economy. Its mission to blend traditional academic rigor with professional, hands-on experiences solidifies its reputation as a leading choice for students seeking a career-focused education in the arts, media, and communication.