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 2,828 students (25% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
Enrollment: 2,828 students
In-state tuition: $1,150
Out-state tuition: $6,406
Student-teacher ratio: 34:1
Minority enrollment: 34%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 82 teachers has declined by 51% over five years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
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 $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
n/a
81%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
School Mascot: Claim Jumper
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)
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.
Quick Facts (2026)
Enrollment: 2,828 students
In-state tuition: $1,150
Out-state tuition: $6,406
Student-teacher ratio: 34:1
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 $6,577 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $18,639 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
