MIND IF WE BRAG? Year after year, Columbia College Chicago programs rank among the best in the nation. At Columbia, students learn from working professionals; they know what’s relevant and have extensive industry connections that translate to career success, which is rapid upon graduation for most Columbia students. In a recent survey, graduates reported being employed, continuing their education, or achieving success in their creative practice within a year, with nearly 8 in 10 alumni reporting that their employment at the 12-month mark aligns with their long-term career goals. Our graduates join Columbia’s 136-year legacy and tap into a powerful network of alumni who are successful entrepreneurs, chief executives, producers, directors, and marketing managers. These exceptional outcomes and top-tier program rankings affirm that Columbia is a national leader in higher education, preparing students for meaningful, successful careers in the creative industries.
ACADEMIC RANKINGS Top Animation Schools of 2026 Animation Career Review
Top-Ranked Film Schools 2026 The Hollywood Reporter
Top Film Schools 2026 Variety Magazine
30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada 2026 MovieMaker Magazine
#1 Ranked Music School in the World 2025 The Hollywood Reporter
Top 50 Film Schools for 2025 TheWrap
Top Design School 2026 Graphic Design USA
#1 Illustration School in Illinois Animation Career Review
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MIND IF WE BRAG?
ALUMNI AWARDS Columbia alumni are award-winners—they take home Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, GRAMMYs, and a slew of other industry recognitions, awards, and rankings in Animation, Fashion, and other programs. Here are just some of the highlights from our exceptional alumni network.
Tonika Lewis Johnson ’03, artist, activist, and 2025 MacArthur Fellow. She is known for using photography, maps, data, and storytelling to spotlight Chicago's segregation.
Chase Infiniti ’22, breakout star in her first major acting role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film “One Battle After Another” with Leonardo DiCaprio. Now appearing in “The Testaments.”
Janusz Kaminski ’87, Oscar-winning cinematographer, whose work includes “The Fabelmans,” “Schindler’s List,” and “Saving Private Ryan.”
Jonathan McReynolds ’11, two-time GRAMMY winner for Best Gospel Song/ Performance “One Hallelujah.”
Christian Sprenger ’07, Emmywinning cinematographer, whose work includes episodes of “Atlanta” and “Station 11.” He is also a producer and cinematographer for “Widows Bay.”
Lena Waithe ’06, Emmy-winning writer for “Master of None,” Showtime drama series “The Chi,” Emmy-nominated producer of the documentary “Being Mary Tyler Moore.”
Want to learn more about our successful alumni? Visit colum.edu/alumni-success. 44678_9/26
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