Columbia College Chicago

Analysis

Columbia College Chicago is a registered charity in United States, based in Chicago, IL. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in January 1943, 83 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education, which this site groups under education and training. The IRS classifies it as a school under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending August 2023, Columbia College Chicago reported income of $239.2m and spending of $267.2m, spending 112% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from August 2019 to August 2023, income grew from $226.2m to $239.2m (+5.7%), an average of +1.4% a year. Over the whole period it spent 108% of the income it received.

Among 66,972 United States charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, Columbia College Chicago sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile, and in the 100th percentile within IL. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Georgia Tech Foundation Inc ($239.0m), Gallaudet University ($239.4m) and Hillsborough County School Readiness Coalition Inc ($238.8m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending August 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 4.4% and program service revenue 92% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $3.8m (1.4% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $73.6m. It paid $71k in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $525.2m against liabilities of $204.9m, net assets of $320.3m. It reported 2,870 employees.

Data notes from the register: Spending has exceeded income in each of the last three reported years, so the charity has been drawing on reserves or other funds.