Columbia College: 239 Students

239Students

72%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$22,160Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Columbia College

Columbia College trains students for healthcare and business careers in Northern Virginia's competitive job market. The school enrolls 239 students in a suburban setting outside Washington DC. Students benefit from small classes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The college focuses on practical, career-oriented programs designed to get graduates working quickly.

Students pay an average of $9,921 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $22,160 ten years after starting school. Monthly loan payments average just $84, reflecting the school's relatively low debt burden of $7,940. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families. The 75% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates can handle their debt load.

Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare programs that traditionally attract female students. Asian students represent 22% of enrollment, unusually high for a small college. The 70.5% employment rate shows most graduates find work, though the 72% six-year graduation rate indicates some students struggle to complete their programs. Most students come from Virginia, with 82% studying in-state.

Academics & Faculty

Columbia College focuses on career-oriented programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. With 72% of students graduating within six years, the college provides solid academic support for its mostly female student body (71% women). The school emphasizes practical training over theoretical study. Students can expect hands-on learning in programs like business, healthcare support, and technology. The compact size of 239 students means professors know their students personally. Academic programs prioritize job readiness rather than research. Most coursework connects directly to industry needs and employer expectations in the Northern Virginia market.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 72.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $22,160

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$19,227
English Language and Literature, General.	Certificate	$17,950

View all 18 programs →

Campus Life

Columbia College sits in Vienna, a well-established Virginia suburb about 15 miles west of Washington, D.C. The small campus serves just 239 students, creating an intimate learning environment where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know everyone by name. Women make up 71% of the student body, and 82% of students come from Virginia.

The Northern Virginia location means four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters requiring a good coat. Most students commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus, giving the school a professional, career-focused atmosphere. The proximity to D.C. provides internship opportunities in government and business, though many students work part-time jobs while completing their two-year programs. Weekend activities often center around nearby Tysons Corner shopping and dining, or trips into the nation's capital. The diverse student population includes 22% Asian students, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the D.C. metro area. Students here are typically balancing education with work and family responsibilities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Founded: 1854

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–41°F
July Avg: 66°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.4"
Annual Snowfall: -756.6"

Student Demographics

Columbia College draws primarily from Virginia, with 82% of students staying close to home for their two-year programs. The school serves a predominantly female student body at 71%, reflecting its focus on career-oriented fields like healthcare and business that attract more women. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, Columbia College provides accessible education for working-class families in the Northern Virginia suburbs. The diverse mix includes 22% Asian students, making it one of the more multicultural community colleges in the region. Most students juggle work and studies, seeking practical skills for immediate career entry.

Men: 28.9%
Women: 71.1%
White: 16.7%
Black: 1.3%
Hispanic: 1.7%
Asian: 22.2%
In-State Students: 82.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.3%

Location

Columbia College sits in Vienna, Virginia, just 15 miles west of Washington DC. The suburban setting puts students within easy reach of the nation's capital while maintaining a quieter residential feel. Vienna has around 16,000 residents and offers the typical Northern Virginia mix of government workers and professionals. The area serves as a bedroom community for DC commuters. With 82% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with the region's high cost of living and competitive job market. The school's location provides internship and career opportunities in federal agencies and contractors that dominate the local economy. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Columbia College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Vienna, Virginia 22182

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $22,160
Median Earnings (5 years): $24,109
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $84/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,940

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Columbia College?

Women make up 71.13% of Columbia College's 239 students, while men represent 28.87%. Asian students comprise the largest racial group at 22.18%, with the college serving a diverse population in Vienna, VA.

How much does Columbia College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,921 annually at this private for-profit institution. The college keeps costs manageable with median debt of just $7,940 and monthly loan payments of $84.

What is the graduation rate at Columbia College?

Columbia College achieves a 72.30% six-year graduation rate for this two-year institution. The school maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio to support student success.

How much do Columbia College graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median salary of $22,160 ten years after graduation, with first-year earnings at $20,404. The employment rate stands at 70.5%, reflecting the college's focus on career-oriented programs.

Where is Columbia College located and what is the campus setting like?

The college sits in Vienna, Virginia, a large suburban area outside Washington, DC. With only 239 students, Columbia College offers an intimate learning environment in the competitive Northern Virginia market.

Does Columbia College offer significant financial aid to students?

About 30.31% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating moderate need-based aid distribution. Only 15.90% receive institutional grants averaging $3,013, suggesting limited internal scholarship funding compared to traditional colleges.