Columbia College Global 50th Anniversary

Established in 1851, Columbia College was originally named Christian Female College.

Columbia College Global is represented across 15 states in the United States (Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington).

Following the formation of the Extended Studies Division (ESD), the first Columbia College Global location was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1973.

In December 1973, Launer Auditorium hosted Columbia College’s first commencement ceremony for its first-ever class of military personnel.

As one of the college’s first installations to serve military students and working adults, the Columbia College Global – Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri) location was founded in 1974.

With adult learners in mind, Columbia College’s Evening program opened on its main campus in Columbia, Missouri, in 1975.

Founded in 1977, the Columbia College Global – Jefferson City (Missouri) location originally held classes in the local National Guard Armory.

In 1998, the Columbia College Global - NS Everett/Marysville (Washington) location became the first venue nationwide to offer graduate courses to its students.

Columbia College continued to evolve and be a trendsetter in higher education services with its implementation of the Online Program in 2000. With adult learners in mind, Columbia College’s Evening Program opened on its main campus in Columbia, Missouri, in 1975.

Trailing only Missouri, California possesses the second-most Columbia College Global locations nationwide with nine venues.

The Columbia College Alumni Association represents more than 97,000 CC alumni living around the world.

Housing four locations in Illinois, the Columbia College Global – Lake County/NS Great Lakes location was founded first and offered post-secondary education opportunities for sailors at the local naval station.

Located in central Missouri, the Columbia College Global – Lake of the Ozarks location celebrated its new campus building opening in 2005.

The Columbia College Global – Kansas City location was originally established in Blue Springs, Missouri, then moved to Independence, Missouri, in 1993, and finally set its current roots at Blue Ridge Tower in 2006.

As the lone Columbia College Global location in Oklahoma, the Fort Sill campus was founded in 2008.