- Consistent with the mission of the California Community Colleges and the Yosemite Community College District, Columbia College is committed to offering a comprehensive range of transfer, vocational, cultural, and community education, and to facilitating community and economic development. The College provides educational programs and support services to assist students and the broader community in gaining access to higher education and achieving success in their chosen endeavors.
School Highlights
Columbia College serves 2,063 students (25% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 100% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 2,063 students
- In-state tuition: $1,150
- Out-state tuition: $6,406
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 100%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Columbia College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
The teacher population of 169 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Columbia College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
169 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia College has declined by 21% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has decreased from 15:1 over five years.
The Columbia College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,063 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
509 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
1,554 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
143 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
509 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,554 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
13%
% Asian
4%
6%
% Hispanic
1%
1%
% Black
21%
46%
% White
n/a
5%
% Hawaiian
70%
24%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3829%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,300
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,150 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,406 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,150
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,406
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
68%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Located on 280 acres of forestland in California's historic Mother Lode, our college campus surrounds a peaceful 4½ acre lake and has been described as one of the state's most beautiful community colleges. The College actively promotes transformational learning through critical and creative thinking that is open to change and personal growth; civic, environmental, and global awareness and engagement; and individual and collective responsibility. At the heart of our mission is a desire to develop a zest for lifelong learning throughout the community, with the College serving as its educational and cultural center. Columbia College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Career Center, located within the Manzanita Building adjacent to the Counseling area, offers materials and services to assist students with career information. The Center maintains a variety of resources including occupational publications, newsletters, college catalogs, and Eureka, a computerized vocational/educational information system. The Columbia College professional counseling staff provide essential academic advising, career counseling and life planning activities to continuing, new and returning students in order to enhance each students educational experience at Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia College cost?
Columbia College's tuition is approximately $1,150 for In-State students and $6,406 for Out-State students.
What is Columbia College's ranking?
Columbia College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Average community college minority breakdown.
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