Woman setting sites on her new future with Columbia College.

Why Columbia College

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We Don’t Just Open Doors, We Create Opportunities

We value new because of what it can do: solve problems, meet needs and change lives. For 175 years, we've been perfecting ways to offer you the most relevant and practical education that will create opportunities - wherever life takes you!

Whether on-campus in Missouri, online or at one of our nationwide locations, here you have the tools to explore your interests, develop your skills and find success in a future built for you, by you.


By submitting this form, you expressly consent to Columbia College contacting you via email, phone, or text, including automated technology and AI for calls and texts to the provided wireless number. Message and data rates may apply. Your consent is not necessary for purchasing goods or services.

What Makes Columbia College Special?

Education that drives real-world impact – in your life, career and community.

Charles Jackson ’26 poses for a photo before Columbia College’s Spring 2026 Commencement on Saturday, May 2, on main campus in Columbia, Missouri.

Resilience

Charles Jackson ’26 reaps reward of resilience

read charles's story
Columbia College Instructor Bre Cole and student Jackson Siebert work in a lab inside Brouder Science Center.

innovation

New program provides Biology research opportunities

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Shapree Marshall ’21 ’23, delivers the keynote address during the Fish Tank Pitch Competition.

innovation

Student innovators pitch their ideas at Columbia College Fish Tank

learn about the competition
Columbia College Grossnickle Career Services Center Director Amanda Wooden shakes hands with a student during the annual Career Fair.

supportive

Helping students turn ambition into opportunity

learn about support services

perseverance

Stuart Thompson ’26 proves there is no timeline for success

read stuart's story

compassion

Columbia College raises record $781,851 on eighth annual Giving Day

learn more about our annual giving day
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Your New Starts Here

Discover the transformative impact of Columbia College through our students and alumni.

(The Columbia College art department) was a great community of talented faculty and students working in all different kinds of medium.… It gave us experience with critiquing people’s artwork, which helped me to develop an eye for curating art.

Susan Snyder '81

Co-founder of the Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco

As a single mother working two jobs, Columbia College has helped me by allowing me to take six courses a semester while juggling life, work, and school. The amazing staff and instructors are so nice and understanding. They know exactly how hard you must work to accomplish your goals, and they are with you the whole way.

Ashley Sanders

Seymour, Missouri

One of the reasons why we chose Columbia College was because it was a set cost. The books were provided in the cost and that way we knew how much to pay each time around. It made the most sense for us. We have a tight budget and the scholarship was a huge blessing that I didn’t expect to receive. I was on the grind and trying to claw my way out of poverty. I needed the generosity of others to help lift me up.

Michael Vogt

The Hulett Family Criminal Justice Graduate Study Scholarship - 2021 Recipient

I didn’t think that college would ever be something that would be an opportunity for me but Columbia College empowered me to work full-time during the day, take care of my son in the evening, and do online classes at night and while he napped on the weekends. I am thankful that I have been able to use my journey – my experiences – and my education from Columbia College to advocate for other single mothers to pursue higher education.

Macie Peterman ’14

Columbia, Missouri

The support that I have received during my time on campus has allowed me to continue to pursue my education, graduate early and continue to make great strides toward my future. Columbia College has been the perfect place for me.

Fallon Loyd

My junior year, I took an entrepreneurial class. The teacher talked about different ways to start a business, and it was like a light bulb went on. It was a huge influence on me.

Jesse Walters ’12

Owner of Camacho Coffee

I have had a lot of fun with my unique classes that I couldn’t have had anywhere else. I have also had the amazing opportunity to have my first job ever, working to contribute to a better college community.

Jacob Anderson

Susan Snyder '81 standing in her art gallery, wearing a pink suit.
Image of a decorated graduation cap that reads "Mommy did it".
Michael Vogt posed with his wife, Kinsey, the President of Columbia College, Dr. Russell, and his wife Lee Russell in front of a LED sign for Columbia College
Picture of a female graduate in navy cap and gown, taking a selfie on her phone with a young child being held by another woman.
Portrait of Fallon in black cap and gown, looking over her shoulder and smiling
Jesse Walters, wearing a plaid shirt and baseball cap, standing next to his wife, Megan, in her t-shirt, smiling at the camera while holding bags of their coffee.
Two students sitting around a table, with one holding up a notepad to show the contents to the other.

The Support You Need

Center for Advising, Retention, and Student Success

Our Student Success Coaches can provide individualized support, tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. Your journey, your goals, your success - they're our top priority.

(573) 875-7252
success@ccis.edu
Missouri Hall, Room 111

Tuition & Financial Aid

Whether you're curious about scholarship criteria, loan prerequisites, or our Military Affiliated Benefits, our team stands ready to empower you with guidance and direction.

(573) 875-7252
success@ccis.edu
Missouri Hall, Room 111

Admissions

Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you can focus on what really matters; your future. We're just one call or email away.

(573) 875-7515
admissions@ccis.edu
Missouri Hall, Room 132

By submitting this form, you expressly consent to Columbia College contacting you via email, phone, or text, including automated technology and AI for calls and texts to the provided wireless number. Message and data rates may apply. Your consent is not necessary for purchasing goods or services.

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.