- 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 2,132 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 2,132 students
- In-state tuition: $1,150
- Out-state tuition: $6,406
- Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 22%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 169 teachers has grown by 108% over five years.
Columbia College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
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
308 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia College has declined by 16% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has decreased from 15:1 over five years.
The Columbia College diversity score of 0.37 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has declined by 15% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,132 students
7,899 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
22:1

# Full-Time Students
574 students
1,660 students

# Part-Time Students
1,558 students
6,239 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
143 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
574 students
1,580 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,558 students
6,239 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
n/a

% Asian
1%
14%

% Hispanic
15%
45%

% Black
3%
5%

% White
78%
26%

% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a

% Two or more races
n/a
4%

% Non Resident races
n/a
3%
% Unknown races
1%
3%


Diversity Score
0.37
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
36%
35%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.92%
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 $1,246. 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 $6,603. The out-state tuition has declined by 5% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,150
$1,246

Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,406
$6,603

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
90%
86%

Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (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.
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