Columbia College California

Rural California community college serving 2,594 students with low in-state tuition.

College statistics

Address:
11600 Columbia College Dr
Sonora, CA
95370
Sector Group:
Public 2-Year
Setting:
Rural
Research Activity Tier:
No research designation
Economic Mobility Index:
Higher Access, Medium Earnings
Primary Undergraduate Major:
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Columbia College is a public two-year institution in Sonora, California, serving the rural Sierra Nevada region. The college offers transfer pathways and career-focused programs in liberal arts and sciences, drawing students from surrounding communities who seek affordable higher education options close to home.

Annual in-state tuition is $1,196, with out-of-state tuition at $9,178, making Columbia among the most affordable options in California's community college system. The college enrolls approximately 2,594 students, most of whom are local or regional residents balancing work, family, and education.

As a community college, Columbia College functions primarily as a transfer institution, allowing students to complete general education and introductory coursework before moving to four-year universities. This pathway is particularly valuable for rural students who may lack access to four-year programs nearby or who need to manage costs carefully. For more information, visit gocolumbia.edu.