Columbia College
About Columbia College
Columbia College, founded in 1851, offers a personalized educational experience with a strong emphasis on student success. The college provides a supportive learning environment and a diverse range of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning.
location_city City, State & Campus Insights
Explore life, weather, culture, transit, and demographics around Columbia College
groups 1. City Size & State Population
Columbia
165.7 sq km / 64.0 sq mi
129,000
6.2 Million
Density: 778 people per sq km / 2,014 people per sq mi
thermostat 2. Monthly Climate (Jan – Dec)
attractions 3. Top Places to Visit Nearby
Shelter Gardens
Botanical GardenA beautifully landscaped five-acre public garden featuring various plants, a waterfall, and a replica one-room schoolhouse.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
State ParkOffers hiking trails, caves, a rock bridge, and a natural spring, popular for outdoor recreation and exploring geological formations.
Museum of Art and Archaeology
MuseumLocated at the University of Missouri, it houses a diverse collection of art and archaeological artifacts from around the world.
Mizzou Botanic Garden
Botanical GardenAn expansive garden spanning the University of Missouri campus, showcasing a wide variety of trees, plants, and themed gardens.
restaurant 4. Top Local Foods & Cuisines
Toasted Ravioli
Though originating in St. Louis, this breaded and fried pasta dish, often served with marinara sauce, is a popular appetizer across Missouri.
Kansas City-style Barbecue
While Columbia has its own BBQ scene, the influence of Kansas City's slow-smoked meats and sweet, thick sauces is prominent and much-loved.
Gooey Butter Cake
A rich, flat, and dense cake with a sweet, buttery, and slightly chewy topping, a St. Louis classic found in bakeries throughout Missouri.
diversity_3 5. Racial & Demographic Composition
Columbia, Missouri is a moderately diverse city, largely influenced by its university population and status as a regional hub. The demographic makeup reflects a blend of long-term residents and a transient student body.
workspace_premium 6. Notable University Alumni & Figures
Brad Smith
Former CEO of Intuit and current President of Marshall University, an alumnus of Columbia College.
Greg Steube
U.S. Representative for Florida's 17th congressional district, who attended Columbia College before transferring.
Willie Bloomquist
Former MLB utility player for teams like the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, attended Columbia College for a year.
directions_bus 7. Transportation & Getting Around
Columbia offers a mix of public and private transportation options. The city is relatively car-dependent, but efforts are made to improve walkability and cycling infrastructure, especially around the university areas. Regional connectivity is primarily via road and a regional airport.
Public Transit (Buses)
Columbia Transit operates several bus routes throughout the city, including service to the university campuses and major commercial areas. Fares are affordable, and schedules are generally reliable, though coverage can be limited in some residential areas.
Walking & Cycling
Columbia has a growing network of trails and bike lanes, particularly within and around downtown and the university districts. The city is generally considered moderately walkable, with efforts to expand pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Walk Score: 40, Bike Score: 52.
Regional Rail & Airport
The Columbia Regional Airport (COU) offers regional flights to major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago. There is no direct passenger rail service in Columbia; Amtrak stations are available in nearby Sedalia or Jefferson City for broader train travel.
school 8. Education & Literacy Level
98.5%
47.2%
Columbia, MO, is a highly educated city, largely due to the presence of the University of Missouri and Columbia College, among other institutions. The city boasts a significantly higher percentage of residents with bachelor's degrees or higher compared to both the state and national averages, fostering a strong academic and research-oriented environment. The public school system is also well-regarded.
trending_up 9. Main Source of Economy & Industries
Columbia's economy is robust and diverse, heavily influenced by its role as a major educational and healthcare center for central Missouri. The presence of large universities and medical facilities provides significant employment and drives innovation.
Key Driving Industries
Major Corporate Employers
Popular Programs
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Admissions Info
Application Period
Main intake starts in September. Applications are typically accepted from October to January for the following academic year.
Fees & Living Costs
Tuition Fees / Year
$17,640.00
Living Expenses / Year
$12,000.00 - $20,000.00
* Costs are estimated. Actual fees may vary by course and lifestyle.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Need-Blind Admission
Financial need is not considered during the admission process for both domestic and international students.
Campus Life
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