Columbia College - Redstone Arsenal

Columbia College, including its dynamic Redstone Arsenal campus, offers a rich educational heritage rooted in groundbreaking vision. Established in 1851 as the Christian Female College, it holds the distinguished title of being the first women's college west of the Mississippi River to be chartered by a state legislature. This pioneering spirit blossomed in an era when opportunities for women's higher education were scarce, with the city of Columbia, Missouri, providing enthusiastic support for its development.

From its very beginnings, Columbia College fostered a rigorous and comprehensive learning environment. Early student life was a testament to discipline and intellectual growth, starting with morning walks and worship, followed by a full day of classes, daily compositions, chores, and evening Bible lectures. The curriculum was broad, encompassing arithmetic, ancient history, grammar, ancient geography, philosophy, the five books of Moses, and composition, laying a strong foundation for future scholars.

Today, this legacy of academic excellence and commitment to student development continues. As a private college led by President Toby Arquette, Columbia College, with a significant endowment of $0.2 billion, remains dedicated to delivering a quality educational experience. Its Redstone Arsenal location proudly serves 6,046 students, embodying the institution's enduring motto, "Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine," and inviting prospective students and families to become part of a history that shaped education.