Columbia College
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 54% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Columbia College is a private nonprofit institution located in Columbia, South Carolina with approximately 1,343 undergraduate students enrolled. Columbia College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,408 per year. The graduation rate is 37%, and the typical graduate earns $36,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
Columbia College may refer to one of several institutions of higher education in North America:
The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 53% graduation rate means roughly half of students who start don't finish, and a 53% freshman retention rate suggests many are reconsidering after just one year. At $23,650/year net price, the cost isn't unreasonable, and median debt of $14,750 is relatively manageable, but median earnings of $36,200 a decade out raise real questions about the return on investment. Worth considering only if this college's specific programs or location are a strong personal fit — and you have a clear plan to stay enrolled and finish.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,343 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in South Carolina
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC · Public
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC · Public
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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