About Columbia College
Students pay an average net price of $24,051 after financial aid, with 44% receiving Pell Grants. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $45,378, creating a challenging return on investment. Graduates typically carry $23,879 in debt with monthly loan payments of $253. The employment rate of 91.6% suggests strong job placement, though the 34% loan repayment rate indicates many struggle with their debt burden.
The student body reflects the school's mission to serve diverse learners, with 21% Black students and nearly 60% women. Only 412 students live on campus, reflecting the college's focus on commuter and online students. The 67% retention rate and 45% six-year graduation rate align with the challenges many working adults face completing their degrees. With 14 NAIA sports teams and 320 athletes, Columbia College maintains a modest athletic presence while prioritizing academic flexibility.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.7%
- Retention Rate
- 67.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,378
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $68,079 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,382 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,894 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $49,937 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $46,924 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,970 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,817 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,235 |
Campus Life
Most students balance work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. The 67.40% retention rate reflects the challenges facing this adult-focused population. Missouri's four-season climate means students need both winter coats for snowy January days and lighter clothing for humid summers. Weekend life revolves more around family time and work commitments than typical college parties. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation provides a faith-based foundation, though the diverse student body includes 21.31% Black students and students from various backgrounds. Columbia offers restaurants, parks, and cultural activities, but many students engage with campus primarily through their academic programs rather than traditional college social life.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 412 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–39°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.0%
- Women
- 59.0%
- White
- 52.9%
- Black
- 21.3%
- Hispanic
- 11.6%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 56.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 44.1%
Location
- Address
- Columbia, Missouri 65216
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,378
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,939
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $253/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,879
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the graduation rate at Columbia College?
Columbia College has a 45.70% six-year graduation rate and 44.05% four-year graduation rate. The school focuses heavily on serving working adults through flexible online and evening programs, which can extend time to completion. The 67.40% retention rate reflects the challenges many adult learners face balancing education with work and family responsibilities.
How much does Columbia College cost after financial aid?
Students at Columbia College pay an average net price of $24,051 after financial aid. The college charges $24,326 for both in-state and out-of-state tuition, making it accessible regardless of residency. About 44.12% of students receive financial aid, with graduates typically carrying $23,879 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbia College?
Columbia College maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,359 enrolled students. The college emphasizes career-focused education designed for working adults who need practical skills. Classes are structured to accommodate busy schedules, with many programs available online or in evening formats.
What do graduates of Columbia College typically earn?
Columbia College graduates earn a median salary of $45,378 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 91.6%, reflecting the school's focus on career preparation. Monthly loan payments average $253, which is manageable given the career-oriented nature of the programs.
Where is Columbia College located and what is campus life like?
Columbia College sits in Columbia, Missouri, a mid-sized college town that also hosts the University of Missouri. The campus houses only 412 students in residence halls, as most of the 5,359 total students are working adults who commute or study online. The college fields 14 varsity sports in NAIA competition with 320 total athletes.
Does Columbia College have religious requirements?
Columbia College maintains affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) but focuses primarily on career preparation rather than religious education. The diverse student body is 52.88% white, 21.31% black, and 11.61% Hispanic. The college's mission centers on serving working adults through practical, job-focused degree programs rather than traditional religious instruction.
