<p>Hello All. This is my first post and I'm wondering if anyone has personal knowledge about Columbia College in Chicago. My son is an accepted transfer student interested in sound recording/audio engineering for post-production of music and he is also, at this point, open to other options in the audio world (film, television,etc.).</p>
<p>I know little to nothing of the school and he is considering it as well as another more traditional university. We are planning a quick trip there form the northeast, as he must make his final choice for enrollment at the other school within 1 week. He came from a very competitive university and his other present enrollment option is also at a competitive school.</p>
<p>My major concerns are: housing, the low graduation rate and if, considering it is a commuter college, he is likely to have a tough time finding his niche as a resident. The choice is his and he is interested in the school because of the diversity of options within the program. The lower tuition rate doesn't hurt, either!</p>
<p>Thanks for any insight anyone can offer.</p>
<p>I grew up in Chgo and had friends who attended Columbia as a commuter school. Since that time it appears Columbia has constructed a significant amount of dorm space so a more cohesive, urban campus experience a better possibility.</p>
<p>You probalby know, the school is known well for its offerings in film and music production. Some friends were able to leverage that experience into quality relationships for careers in Los Angeles. Since DePaul U. opened a chunk of its campus in the loop and the school of the Art Institute of Chgo is across Michigan Avenue from Columbia there is a unique synergy among arts/humanities oriented students in the area. Plus you get the Museum of the Art Institute, Museum of Contemp. Art, and the rest of Chgo’s large art and architecture scene to absorb. </p>
<p>In summary, I’d say if your son is relatively independant, self-confident and motivated the resources are there to do well, but if you are looking for a true liberal arts college like Oberlin, this is not the place.</p>
<p>My son graduated from the Audio Arts & Acoustics major at CCC a year ago, and his take is that it’s an amazing program. He learned a lot, made some great connections and is working in the field now. CCC is one of those places that is a hidden gem for certain fields but won’t get the name recognition for general academics. It’s much easier to get into CCC than to get out; there are several “weed-out” class in the audio sequence that demand significant academic skill. Many of the aspiring DJs looking for an easy degree were the ones that accounted for the lower graduation rate from my son’s class.</p>
<p>He lived in the dorms for two years and was able to build a nice community of friends, although I believe most of his close friendships were with other students in his program. He chose not to take the meal plan his second year on campus since his apartment had a kitchen and there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants nearby. It’s a safe neighborhood, but it is a city, so “street smarts” are a necessity.</p>
<p>Even though CCC isn’t a “traditional campus,” there are certainly plenty of activities and clubs that your son could become involved with. And of course, it’s smack in the middle of the city, which expands the social opportunities immensely. (Since he’ll be relying professionally on his hearing, make sure to remind him to cover his ears when the El trains go by; they exceed 90 dB!)</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your honest and helpful response. My son’s former university was also in a city and he was quite comfortable navigating the challenges that come with that environment. It’s not for everyone, but it worked for him. I appreciate your description of the atmosphere and opportunities within the area. Big help!</p>