Columbia College
Columbia College is a private nonprofit university in Columbia, MO ranked #1635 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, and enrolling about 5,359 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 67.4% first-year retention, and 45.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $24,051, about $7,053 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -57.6%, roughly 142.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,747. That's about $2,941 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Columbia College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Columbia College graduates 45.7% of students within six years and keeps 67.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Columbia College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $24,326 |
| Books and Supplies | $480 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,874 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,248 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,136 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 44.1% of Columbia College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $26,212 to $21,856 depending on family income. Use Columbia College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,728/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,856/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,747
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,747
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 34.3%
- Employment Rate 82.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Columbia College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Columbia College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Columbia College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Columbia College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Columbia College graduates earn $40,747 median, the -57.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,359
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 67.4%
- Graduation Rate 45.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Columbia College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Columbia College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Columbia College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Columbia College undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Human Services, General draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 19.0%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 18.2%
- Human Services, General 8.3%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.8%
- Human Resources Management and Services 6.6%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 5.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $75,640
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $71,271
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $71,225
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Information Systems and Services $70,772
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services $69,081
- 6. International Business $63,489
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,893
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $61,765
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $59,113
- 10. Business/Commerce, General $58,526
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $91,573
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $54,913
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $46,394
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $42,416
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $75,640—29% more than Business/Commerce, General ($58,526). Graduate: Business/Commerce, General programs lead with $91,573 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Columbia College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Security Science and Technology (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (16 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Security Science and Technology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Music
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Area Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,359
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.0%
- Female Students 59.0%
- Caucasian 52.9%
- Asian 2.0%
- Hispanic 11.6%
- Black 21.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 44.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Columbia College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Columbia College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Columbia College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Columbia College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Columbia College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Columbia College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Columbia College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -57.6% ROI. Ranked #1635 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,051 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $40,747 median earnings. With 45.7% graduating within six years and 67.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Columbia College's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1635 ranking, Columbia College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,051 annually, Columbia College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 67.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,836 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -57.6% ROI and $40,747 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,051+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Columbia College ranks #1635 of 1971 institutions, with 1390 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 45.7% six-year graduation rate sits 16.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 67.4% first-year retention is 9.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -57.6% return on investment is 142.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,747 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,051 is roughly $4,152 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 67.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.7% employment rate within three years sits 14.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,051 is about $4,152 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Columbia, MO, Columbia College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It appears at #1635 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 67.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 45.7% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -57.6% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,051 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,136.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,085 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 44.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $40,747 six years after entry. That sits about 7% below the national median.
Roughly 82.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -57.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Columbia College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Columbia, MO 65216
- Website www.ccis.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$179.7M