Columbia College is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1851. Founded in 1851, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 150 years. As a private, non-profit, coeducational liberal arts and sciences college, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. Originally founded as Christian Female College, the college was the first women's college west of the Mississippi River to be chartered by a state legislature. The college changed its name to Columbia College in 1970 when it changed from a two-year women's college to a four-year coeducational college. More than 3,500 students attend the Day and Evening programs, both located in Columbia, Mo. Through its network of campuses in 34 Nationwide locations, as well as the main campus in Columbia, Mo., and a robust Online Campus, the college serves more than 30,000 students annually. Columbia College is proud of its Online Campus, which offers more than 800 classes and 23 online degrees. More than 16,000 students take at least one online class at the college each year. In addition to offering associate and bachelor's degrees, the college also offers master's degrees at the home campus in Columbia, Mo., and at selected extended campuses, as well as online.