Columbia College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Columbia College
Set in Vienna near the D.C. corridor, Columbia College is known for career-focused study and practical, instructor-led learning. Coursework leans on projects and real skills, with a small-campus feel that makes it easy to ask questions. Facilities include classrooms, skill labs, and computer resources, plus quiet spaces to study. Student services emphasize advising, tutoring, and clear academic guidance. The culture is welcoming and collaborative, drawing many working adults and international students.
Student life stays purposeful: club meetups, volunteer projects, skill workshops, and the occasional cultural gathering. Nearby parks, coffee shops, and arts spots make quick breaks simple. The college has a reputation for resume help, mock interviews, and employer talks that connect students with opportunities across Northern Virginia and the capital region. Families notice the practical focus, a rhythm that fits commuters, and small traditions that celebrate milestones. And it feels personal.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Columbia College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Health (4)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0603
Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $122,250 | -$15,650 (-11.3%) |
| 51-9081 | Dental Laboratory Technicians | $54,060 | $56,120 | +$2,060 (+3.8%) |
51.3501
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage.
(Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $122,250 | -$15,650 (-11.3%) |
| 31-9011 | Massage Therapists | $63,430 | $42,950 | -$20,480 (-32.3%) |
Personal Services (3)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $43,460 | $40,430 | -$3,030 (-7%) |
| 39-5091 | Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $75,410 | N/A | N/A |
| 39-5092 | Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,910 | $39,060 | +$2,150 (+5.8%) |
| 39-5093 | Shampooers | $30,830 | $28,450 | -$2,380 (-7.7%) |
| 39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $48,670 | $37,510 | -$11,160 (-22.9%) |
12.0503
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35-1011 | Chefs and Head Cooks | $64,720 | $59,070 | -$5,650 (-8.7%) |
| 35-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $44,900 | $41,600 | -$3,300 (-7.3%) |
| 35-2013 | Cooks, Private Household | $51,290 | N/A | N/A |
| 35-2014 | Cooks, Restaurant | $37,730 | $35,630 | -$2,100 (-5.6%) |
| 35-2019 | Cooks, All Other | $38,000 | $38,070 | +$70 (+0.2%) |
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101
English Language and Literature, General.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $95,580 | +$5,180 (+5.7%) |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $59,110 | -$14,590 (-19.8%) |
| 43-9081 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $52,730 | $49,910 | -$2,820 (-5.3%) |
Business (1)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $223,410 | -$39,520 (-15%) |
| 11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $104,520 | -$28,600 (-21.5%) |
| 11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $176,170 | +$15,240 (+9.5%) |
| 11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $104,010 | -$22,020 (-17.5%) |
| 11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $100,360 | -$14,160 (-12.4%) |
| 11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $117,440 | -$11,740 (-9.1%) |
| 11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $113,860 | -$2,150 (-1.9%) |
| 11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $141,470 | -$14,760 (-9.4%) |
| 11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $135,360 | -$25,120 (-15.7%) |
| 11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $131,860 | -$8,730 (-6.2%) |
| 11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $96,800 | -$22,860 (-19.1%) |
| 11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $89,080 | +$2,020 (+2.3%) |
| 11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $80,320 | -$5,780 (-6.7%) |
| 11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $67,500 | -$3,120 (-4.4%) |
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
| 13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $67,100 | -$16,060 (-19.3%) |
| 13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $69,020 | -$10,710 (-13.4%) |
| 13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $92,470 | +$4,870 (+5.6%) |
| 13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $95,900 | -$12,200 (-11.3%) |
| 13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $106,790 | -$7,920 (-6.9%) |
| 13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $66,070 | -$16,850 (-20.3%) |
| 13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $69,390 | -$22,990 (-24.9%) |
| 25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $132,070 | +$18,230 (+16%) |
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0103
Information Technology.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $171,540 | -$16,450 (-8.8%) |
| 15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $100,570 | -$11,390 (-10.2%) |
| 15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $121,480 | -$6,250 (-4.9%) |
| 15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $127,650 | -$24,660 (-16.2%) |
| 15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $128,470 | -$7,420 (-5.5%) |
| 15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $158,740 | +$16,120 (+11.3%) |
| 15-1252 | Software Developers | $144,570 | $130,810 | -$13,760 (-9.5%) |
| 15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $104,310 | -$5,950 (-5.4%) |
| 15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $99,610 | -$24,980 (-20%) |
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1210
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $76,850 | -$1,650 (-2.1%) |
| 25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $41,450 | $40,020 | -$1,430 (-3.4%) |
| 25-2012 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $67,020 | $55,320 | -$11,700 (-17.5%) |
| 25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $56,980 | -$12,810 (-18.4%) |
| 25-9042 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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
What academic programs and degree levels does Columbia College offer?
Columbia College offers 14 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (3 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
- English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Columbia College?
Columbia College provides financial aid to 31% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,581 and average loans of $4,590.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $3,854
- Institutional grants: $2,160
- Federal loans: $4,590
The university supports 57 students with grants and 30 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 graduates earn a median salary of $23,950 after 6 years and $22,160 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $11,114 (25th percentile) to $43,603 (75th 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.
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