51ÉçÇø

For students affected by the closures of California College of the Arts, St. Andrews University, Trinity Christian College, and Siena Heights University, as well as the elimination of certain programs of study at Indiana University and St. Francis University: We understand that these developments have disrupted your educational plans, and we are here to help you continue your work toward a creative career.

If you're interested in transferring to 51ÉçÇø, please review the information on this page to help prepare your application.

Please reach out to us at transfer@colum.edu so we can expedite review of your application and transfer credits.

Transfer: How to Apply

Apply as a transfer student if you’ve completed high school, home school, or a GED (called HiSET in some states) program and have earned (or will earn) college credit at a college or university before your first day at 51ÉçÇø. This excludes dual enrollments (including Summer at 51ÉçÇø) and/or any college or university enrollment completed during the summer immediately following high school or GED (or HiSET) completion.

If you have not enrolled in courses at a post-secondary college or university, or if your coursework is covered by the exceptions listed above, please review the Freshman Application Requirements.

If you are you an international student who will require a visa to study in the United States, please follow the steps listed here, and review this page for additional information. 

You can also review a complete checklist and timeline for transfer students at the links.

Important Dates and Deadlines

October 1, 2025: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available at fafsa.gov. Submitting the FAFSA will help to maximize your access to all possible financial aid.

Fall 2026 Applicants: The application deadline for the Acting for Stage and Screen (BFA); Comedy Writing and Performance (BFA); Musical Theatre (BFA); Performance and Songwriting  (BMus) has passed. These programs have corresponding BA degrees for which the application is still available.

BA, BFA, BMus, and BS: What’s the difference?

Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs allow for greater flexiblity and exploration within the curriculum. This includes the ability to tailor elective coursework beyond your major or add a minor. Around 90% of 51ÉçÇø students are pursuing a BA degree.

Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BMus), and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs feature more intensive required coursework in the major with limited flexibility for electives.

A Note on Standardized Test Scores

51ÉçÇø's admissions process is entirely test-free. Standardized test scores will play no role in the college's determination of a student's admissibility, or in awarding merit-based scholarships.

After admission, students who have them are encouraged to submit results from Advanced Placement or International Baccaulaurate tests. Just list 51ÉçÇø on your or talk to your school's IB diploma program coordinator about how to . 51ÉçÇø grants credit for scores of 3 or higher on and 4 or higer on .


Learn More

Ready to Apply? Follow these steps.

1. Submit your application.

Use the "Apply Now" link above to access the application.

2. Submit the following required items.

• Transcripts

  As a transfer student, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges where you have previously been enrolled—even if you didn't complete any graded credits.

  51ÉçÇø does require final high school transcripts for some transfer applicants. If you:

  • Earned your GED, or
  • Were home-schooled, or
  • Attended a non-US high school, or
  • Have completed FEWER than 24 graded semester college credits at the time of application

  
  

  International Applicants: Please see this page for more complete instructions.

  How to Submit Transcripts

  Ask your institution(s) to electronically transmit transcripts to 51ÉçÇø Admissions, or mail them to 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. All transcripts received by mail or in person must be in the original sealed envelope from the school.

  We also accept transcripts—when sent directly from the institution—via email at admissions@colum.edu.

  If you are applying to transfer from a partner institution with a , 51ÉçÇø's Admissions Office will purchase your official transcripts to complete your application. Please note that this purchase applies only to the application process. If you complete additional coursework after admission, a final transcript must be purchased before the start of your first semester at 51ÉçÇø.

• Writing Sample

  Within the application, submit a writing sample in response to this prompt:

  Please provide a short personal statement that outlines your goals for your enrollment at 51ÉçÇø. You may choose to write about development of your creative practice, progress toward your career objectives, improving specific skills, or your own personal growth.

  The application will also have an optional section where you can provide additional information about items in your academic history that you might want to explain.

• Application Fee

  51ÉçÇø does not charge an application fee.

• Portfolios | Auditions | Interviews

  Portfolio, audition, and/or interview requirements can vary based on your intended major.

  Students applying for BFA or BMus degrees are required to submit materials. Your submission will be considered for admission to the program as well as for the Faculty Recognition Award. Please follow the guidelines for your intended major. The submission deadline for the Acting for Stage and Screen, BFA; Comedy Writing and Performance, BFA; Fashion Design, BFA; Musical Theatre, BFA; and Performance and Songwriting (BMus) applicants is Monday, December 1, 2025. For all other BFA programs, the submission deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2026.

  Portfolios or auditions are not required for BA or BS applicants, but it is to your advantage to submit materials. A submission is the only way to be considered for the Faculty Recognition Award. Please follow the guidelines for your intended major. The submission deadline for all BA or BS applicants is Thursday, January 15, 2026.