Columbia College
About Columbia College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbia College teaches in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, in the gold rush town it is named for, and it teaches forestry and fire science in the woods around it. Allied health and psychology are among its other largest programs.
Founded
1968
Location
Sonora, California
Students
1,984
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
26.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$1,282
Out-of-state: $9,264
Avg Net Price
$11,316
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$39,035
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
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
26.5% complete their degree within three years
Retention
57.9%
Transfer Out
8%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
43.1%
$/Student
$7.4K
Class Size
Large
The 26.5% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$1,282
In-State
$9,264
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,870
After Financial Aid
$11,316
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,095
Receive Grants
28.4%
Take Loans
0%
Tuition is $1,282/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $11,316.
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
28.4%
Get Grants
Free money
0%
Take Loans
Must repay
$13,865
Median Family Income
After Graduation
N/A
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
N/A
Monthly Payment
N/A
Default Rate
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
55%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,984
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
53.4%
First-Gen
26 yrs
Avg Age
35.6%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 26, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 53.4% 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
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
1,984
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Columbia College fields 2 varsity teams with 26 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
CCCAA
California Community College Athletic Association
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
2
Biggest: Basketball
Student Athletes
26
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
14
Men
12
Women
1
Men's Teams
1
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
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
$39,035
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$31K
105 grads
4yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
—
47 grads
Psychology, General
—
27 grads
Fire Protection
—
20 grads
Biological and Physical Sciences
—
16 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
14 grads
Median earnings are $39K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia College
How much does Columbia College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Columbia College?▾
How much do Columbia College graduates earn?▾
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.