Columbia College ChicagoFine Arts (MFA)
Total Cost of Attendance: $27,480/yr · Federal Loan Cap: $20,500/yr
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which takes effect July 1, 2026, graduate students at Columbia College Chicago studying Fine Arts (MFA) face a maximum federal Direct Loan cap of $20,500 per year.
With a cost of attendance of $27,480/yr, the gap is $6,980 per year ($13,960 total). While modest by national standards, this still requires planning to cover.
Cost of Attendance Summary
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $27,480 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Graduate) | $20,500 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $6,980 |
| Total Funding Gap (2 years) | $13,960 |
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These numbers assume…
- × Full-time enrollment
- × No scholarships or grants
- × No prior federal student debt
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Recalculate for Columbia College Chicago →Need to Cover This Gap?
Columbia College Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) students typically need $13,960 in private loans over 2 years to bridge the gap between federal aid and cost of attendance.
| Lender | Est. Rate Range | Loan Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lender A | 4.99% – 12.78% APR | Variable & Fixed | Coming Soon |
| Lender B | 5.24% – 14.49% APR | Fixed | Coming Soon |
| Lender C | 4.49% – 13.99% APR | Variable & Fixed | Coming Soon |
Rates shown are illustrative ranges and not a guarantee of any specific rate. Actual rates depend on creditworthiness, cosigner status, and loan terms. Check with individual lenders for current rates. Advertising disclosure applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for Columbia College Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), Columbia College Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the graduate annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $100,000 for graduate students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for Columbia College Chicago?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($20,500/year for graduate programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does Columbia College Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for Columbia College Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) is $27,480 per year. Over the full 2-year program, the total cost is $54,960.
What is the funding gap for Columbia College Chicago Fine Arts (MFA)?
The annual funding gap is $6,980, calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance ($27,480) and the federal loan cap ($20,500). Over the full 2-year program, the total gap is $13,960. This is below the national median of $31,446 for Arts (MFA) programs.