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 3,611 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 3,611 students
In-state tuition: $1,150
Out-state tuition: $6,406
Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
Minority enrollment: 34%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 169 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Columbia College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
The student population of Columbia College has grown by 38% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Columbia College diversity score of 0.51 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,611 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
690 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
2,921 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
361 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
690 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,921 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
n/a
% Asian
2%
13%
% Hispanic
23%
47%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
66%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
n/a
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.51
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2732%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4304%
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 declined by 9% 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 15% 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: 2024 (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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Columbia College is Modesto Junior College (43.1 miles away)
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Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 3,611 students
In-state tuition: $1,150
Out-state tuition: $6,406
Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
Minority enrollment: 34%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Did You Know?
For California public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,236 per year for in-state students and $6,547 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $20,392 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
