About Columbia College
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $23,650 annually, while graduates earn a median of $41,338 ten years after graduation. With typical debt loads of $22,750 and monthly loan payments of $241, the return on investment presents challenges. Only 44% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The school does offer some relief through institutional grants averaging $16,089 for the 15% of students who receive them.
Academic persistence proves difficult for many students. Just 53% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and only 54% graduate within four years. The overwhelmingly female student body (82% women) creates a unique campus active, though the low retention rates suggest the environment doesn't click for everyone.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.5%
- Retention Rate
- 52.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,338
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $41,205 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $40,792 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $33,687 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $30,926 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,305 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
Campus Life
Women make up 82% of the student body at this United Methodist institution, fostering close-knit relationships and strong mentorship networks. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and track their progress personally. Columbia's downtown location puts internships, restaurants, and cultural events within easy reach. Students often spend weekends exploring the city's music scene or attending Gamecocks games at nearby USC. The 53% retention rate reflects the adjustment challenges some students face, but those who stay often praise the college's emphasis on leadership development and service learning. Campus traditions center around sisterhood and community engagement, with many students participating in volunteer work throughout Columbia.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 618 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–59°F
- July Avg
- 72°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 18.2%
- Women
- 81.8%
- White
- 38.2%
- Black
- 37.5%
- Hispanic
- 11.0%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 79.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 53.1%
Location
- Address
- Columbia, South Carolina 29203
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,338
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,324
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College?
Columbia College accepts 98.12% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking admission. The average SAT score is 995, with most admitted students scoring between 850 and 1140. This women's college welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Columbia College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Columbia College is $23,650 per year. Students from families earning less than $48,000 annually pay around $20,687 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $27,106. About 53% of students receive financial aid to help cover the $30,960 total cost of attendance.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbia College?
Columbia College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,245 enrolled students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention in a liberal arts setting. The college has strong ties to the United Methodist Church and emphasizes close mentoring relationships.
What are the graduation rates at Columbia College?
Columbia College has a 54.43% four-year graduation rate and 53.50% six-year graduation rate. The retention rate stands at 52.94%, indicating that about half of first-year students return for their sophomore year. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,338 ten years after graduation.
Where is Columbia College located and what is campus life like?
Columbia College sits in Columbia, South Carolina, the state's capital and a mid-sized city. The campus houses 618 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 13 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA and 104 total athletes, the college offers athletic opportunities alongside its liberal arts focus.
Does Columbia College have a diverse student body?
Columbia College enrolls 81.77% women and 18.23% men, reflecting its identity as a women's college that also admits men. The student body is 38.15% white and 37.51% Black, with 11% Hispanic students. About 80% of students come from South Carolina, giving the college a strong regional presence.
