Columbia College offers an affordable education which helps to prepare students for their chosen career. It is located in Sonora, California. The school offers Associate in Science Degrees, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science (Occupational Education) Degrees, and Certificates of Achievement. Columbia College also offers many activities that keep students engaged and help them grow.
The college aims to help students prepare for success in life. Columbia College strives to help students become fully engaged in their profession as well as their community. The college seeks to ignite a spirit of professionalism and embrace diversity.
One unique program offered through the college is the High Sierra Institute. This institute provides students with the opportunity to learn about ecology. This institute was founded in 2000 in conjunction with Yosemite Community College District and USDA Forest Service. It is located at Baker Station, a historic California Department of Transportation maintenance station.
Spots are available for 36 students at the High Sierra Institute in the Bunk House and 15 camping spots. Classes are offered on birds of central California, mushrooms and other fungi, decision making in the workplace, natural history and inventory of Sierra Nevada Wildlife.
The school also offers outstanding technical programs in a variety of fields. Programs offered include the Fire Technology Program, Water Resources, Welding, and Geographic Information Services.
Columbia College also offers many courses through distance learning. These courses are engaging and have the same course objectives as traditional instruction. They can be challenging, but offer the flexibility that many students need due to work commitments.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $8,700. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $1,100-$1,300
- Out-of-State: $6,200-$7,488
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $260-$320 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 72% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 72% | $4,565 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Columbia College – Sonora may offer services to students like:
- Online classes
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Child care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares Columbia College – Sonora against community colleges in California.
| Columbia Junior College | Tuolumne County | California | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 16.4% | - | 24.3% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 20.8% | - | 13.8% |
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Columbia College – Sonora by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Small Business Management (C)
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Commerce (A)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Taxation (C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
Communication Technology
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (C)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Support Specialist (C)
- Web Design (C)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (C)
- Information Technology (A)
English Language and Literature
- English (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Health Services (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (C)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A)
History
- History (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Personal and Culinary Services
- Restaurant and Catering Management (A, C)
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts
Physical Sciences
- Physical Sciences (A)
- Geology (A)
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (A)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
Social Sciences
- Political Science (A)
- Sociology (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Music (A)
- Art Studies (A)
- Photography
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Columbia College – Sonora.
- Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA (43 miles away)
- Merced College in Merced, CA (48 miles away)
- Folsom Lake College in Folsom, CA (59 miles away)
- Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA (64 miles away)
- Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe, CA (66 miles away)