Columbia College (CC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Columbia College
Set in the Sierra foothills above Sonora, Columbia College is known for a wooded campus where classrooms sit among tall pines and crisp mountain air. Academically, it has a reputation for strong transfer preparation, solid general education, and hands-on learning in areas tied to the region's economy, from public service and health to business, natural resources, and the arts. Students find accessible faculty, focused advising, a well used library, tutoring and study labs, and the kind of support services that actually feel personal.
Campus life leans friendly and outdoorsy. Clubs, student government, and low key performances keep things lively, while trails, nearby lakes, and winter snow give weekends a sense of adventure. The culture is welcoming, a little unhurried, and pretty practical. Career preparation shows up in internships with local schools, agencies, and small businesses, resume help through the career center, and steady transfer guidance. The surrounding Gold Country community adds historic character, local coffee and galleries, and seasonal jobs tied to tourism and the parks. And the campus itself, with its rustic touches that nod to the area's past, leaves an impression you tend to remember.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Columbia College (CC) offers 35 degree programs across 24 major academic fields, graduating approximately 511 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 177 graduates), Personal Services (2 programs, 38 graduates), Business (2 programs, 33 graduates), Social Sciences (3 programs, 32 graduates) and Natural Resources (2 programs, 30 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 177 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 149 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 28 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Personal Services (2 programs, 38 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts | 32 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0500 |
| Restaurant and Culinary Management | 6 |
|
Other Award
|
12.0504 |
Business (2 programs, 33 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 32 |
|
Associate's
Residency
|
52.0201 |
| Small Business Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 32 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography | 19 |
|
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
45.0702 |
| Sociology | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Economics | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
Natural Resources (2 programs, 30 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
03.0101 |
| Forestry | 14 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
03.0501 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 27 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
Psychology (1 programs, 22 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 22 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 21 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 21 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0201 |
Education (1 programs, 16 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 16 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1210 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
27.0101 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Columbia College (CC)
How much does it cost to attend Columbia College (CC)?
The annual tuition at Columbia College (CC) is $1,547 for in-state students and $8,870 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,487 for in-state students and $9,810 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $940.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Columbia College offer?
Columbia College (CC) offers 35 academic programs across 24 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (3 programs)
- Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Columbia College?
Columbia College (CC) provides financial aid to 4% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $3,348 and average loans of $0.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $2,928
- State/Local grants: $1,486
The university supports 75 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Columbia College graduates?
Columbia College (CC) graduates earn a median salary of $32,510 after 6 years and $39,035 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,705 (25th percentile) to $58,863 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $66,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.