Columbia College
About Columbia College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbia College is a private university in Columbia, Missouri. It offers flexible programs including online, evening, and on-base military options in business, criminal justice, education, and computer information systems.
Founded
1851
Location
Columbia, Missouri
Students
5,432
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
42.2%
Below national average
Tuition
$25,826
Per year
Avg Net Price
$22,715
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$45,378
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
42.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.1%
4-Year Grad
19%
6-Year Grad
27%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$8.0K
Class Size
Large
The 19% graduation rate is below average, but 75.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$25,826
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,552
Books & Supplies
$480
Total Cost of Attendance
$37,207
After Financial Aid
$22,715
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$23,967
Receive Grants
44.7%
Take Loans
41%
The total cost of attendance runs about $37,207/yr, including $9,552 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $22,715.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Columbia College fund their education.
While in School
44.7%
Get Grants
Free money
41%
Take Loans
Must repay
$25,623
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,879
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$253/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,879 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Columbia College.
Gender
59.5%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,950
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
482
Graduates
48.6%
First-Gen
29 yrs
Avg Age
65.1%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 29, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 48.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
4,950
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Columbia College fields 10 varsity teams with 444 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
American Midwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
444
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
244
Men
200
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Columbia Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,378
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$45K
223 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$48K
203 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$46K
89 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$36K
71 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Services, General
$38K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$47K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia College
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.