Columbia College (MO)

Statistics

School Says - General Information
Columbia College opens doors for its students to experience new discoveries, new relationships and new areas of knowledge that can be explored through thought-provoking, honest dialogue Ââ€" both in and out of the classroom. Academics are strong, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and offered in a learning environment characterized by civility and respect. Students feel at home on the beautiful campus, located in Columbia, Mo., thanks to the private collegeÂ's close-knit community where opportunities to get involved are plentiful.

Each year, more than 1,200 students attend the traditional Day Campus and represent more than 22 states and 44 countries. At Columbia College, students choose from 40 outstanding majors and pre-professional programs. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered at the home campus in Columbia, Mo., as well as at 34 locations across the nation and online. Our worldwide alumni network of 60,000-strong helps students find internships and jobs after graduation.

Personal service and attention have been hallmarks at the institution since it was founded in 1851 Ââ€" traditions that can be seen and felt with a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1 and meaningful relationships with professors and classmates. More than 80 percent of our faculty have earned the highest academic degrees possible in their fields.

Whether you're an athlete or a fan, you'll appreciate Cougar Athletics with award-winning NAIA Division I varsity sports in men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and women's volleyball and softball.

Columbia College welcomes students of all religious affiliations, while maintaining a covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The covenant dates back to our founding as Christian Female College, the first women's college west of the Mississippi River to be chartered by a state legislature. In 1970, the college opened its doors to both women and men and changed its name to Columbia College.

School Says - Student Body
As a Columbia College student, you'll quickly discover that your initiative and involvement are key to your own success. Maybe that's why nearly 100 percent of our Day Campus students are involved in at least one of the 40 student clubs and organizations offered.

At Columbia College, you'll have the opportunity to become a respected voice on the Student Government Association, an admired actor in the Elysium Players, a responsible resident assistant, or an inspiring leader from the Emerging Leaders Institute, just to name a few of the possibilities. Student interest groups include student government, emerging leaders institute, honorary clubs and organizations, academic clubs and organizations, social clubs and service clubs. It's also easy to start your own club or organization with assistance from Campus Life.

Columbia College also offers competitive athletic programs with five NAIA Division I varsity teams in men's and women's basketball, men's soccer, women's softball and women's volleyball. Every one of our athletic programs has produced All-Americans and All-America Scholar-Athletes in the past 10 years. Our women's volleyball team has brought home the NAIA national championship title three times. And for eight of the past 10 years, two or more Columbia College coaches have been recognized as conference or regional coach of the year.

School Says - Academics
If you are a first-time freshman confident in the major you have chosen, the college will commit to offering you all the classes you require to graduate in four years through the Four-Year Graduation Plan.

Columbia College also offers a unique program for teachers. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts plus a Master of Arts in Teaching in a little more than four years through the DAYSTAR teacher education program. Graduates are eligible to be certified to teach at the elementary, middle or secondary school level anywhere in the state of Missouri.

School Says - Admissions
While Columbia College is selective about admission, students with a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 who rank in the top half of their graduating class, or score at the 50th percentile or above on the ACT, SAT I or GED generally can expect to be admitted to the college. We also welcome transfer students who have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. We accept college credits from previous accredited college-level coursework, as well as from programs like CLEP, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, proficiency exams and DANTES.

With more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the country, it can be a challenge to find the school that best fits you. There's no better way to make a final decision than to visit the colleges on your short list. Columbia College offers three Preview Days each year, or you can contact the Admissions Office at (800) 231-2391, ext. 7352, to schedule a date that's convenient for you. Columbia College accepts applications throughout the year and the non-refundable application fee is $35. The fee is waived for applications received by Jan. 1 for the fall semester. So plan a visit today and learn about the opportunities that await you.

School Says - Campus Life
At Columbia College, you have the best of both worlds when it comes to experiences. You'll live on a campus of 30 beautiful acres, where you'll bump into friends and faculty everywhere you go. You'll also be part of a big, exciting neighborhood as you share the city with more than 30,000 other college students from Stephens College and the University of Missouri, which is why Columbia is often referred to as Collegetown, U.S.A. Plus, the city has consistently been ranked among the best places to live in the nation by national publications and offers a surprisingly affordable cost of living, ideal for the needs and budgets of its large student population. You can walk downtown and experience the fascinating cuisines, eclectic entertainment, excellent shopping, exciting outdoor adventures and a variety of cultural events such as the True/False Film Festival.

School Says - Cost Aid
For the 2009-2010 academic year, tuition is $14,576; and room and board is $5,898.The Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Scholarships ranked Columbia College as one of the nation's most affordable top-rated colleges in the country. In addition to maintaining competitive tuition costs, Columbia College also awards more than $4 million in financial aid and scholarships every year. The majority of our students receive financial aid in one form or another.

Students Say - Academics
"A "small community" with "great teachers and lasting friendships," Columbia College in Missouri "is about educating the whole person." Academics are bolstered by a "full college experience," and general-education requirements ensure that "everyone receives a well-rounded education no matter what [one's] major is." "Most, if not all, classes are small and taught by a professor, not a teacher's assistant," creating a familial atmosphere at CC. "While there are limits due to the size" of the school---one sophomore remarks that "getting the courses required is really difficult; almost all of the courses conflict with one another, no matter what courses you are taking"---most love the intimate environment. Professors' "doors are always open if you need any help," and "even the deans say ‘hi' whenever they see you," a freshman brags. "As an athlete, they have worked with me in every way possible to ensure that I get caught up in any classes I have to miss," another adds. Most instructors "are excellent teachers" who "provide real-life examples" in class discussions. "The administration is a little more difficult" to work with. A senior explains: "They do the best they can. But for each major there are problems that need to be worked out, especially with the education department." Another student notes that the school's lab facilities "are inadequate for the science courses that are being offered at this time, though they are being updated.""

Students Say - Campus Life
"Students at CC report a healthy balance between work and play, with plenty of time to take advantage of all that their school and city have to offer. Popular on-campus activities include "comedians," "dances," "intramurals," "late-night bowling," and "dinner and a movie." Sporting events "are also highly attended, especially the basketball games." However, life on campus isn't too hectic: "There is still time to read books for fun or just spend time with friends," students tell us. Many head out into Columbia. A sophomore explains: "The college is located on one side of downtown, [so] it's easy to go down there." In town, "there are several things to do" for entertainment, such as "music halls, bars, an independent film theater, and several coffee shops." "Lots of people go out and party downtown" and "interact with the 25,000 other college students in town.""

Students Say - Student Body
"When pressed to describe a typical undergrad, undergrads generally offer descriptions of a "small-town, white" student who focuses on "making good grades" and "lots of friends" in roughly equal measure. However, most students agree that the campus has its share of diversity: "We have a lot of different kinds of students here. We have quite a few Korean and African students. We even have a guy who never wears shoes. Everybody fits in somewhere." "The college being a liberal arts school, I think there are more atypical students then there [are] normal students," a senior adds. CC "has a very busy night campus," which introduces many nontraditional students into the mix. One such student, who is "disabled and 45 years old," tells us: "I have made dozens of friends and have a few close relationships with the other students. All I have ever seen is acceptance at this school, and it is quite nice.""

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