The University of Missouri was founded in 1839. Controversy over where the University would be built began in the 1830's. Six counties bid on the project; most of them were only able to raise a little over $1,000. Boone County was able to raise more than $118,000 in cash, land and buildings. The state did not appropriate funds for the University until 1867. When Academic Hall Burned down in 1892, there was talk of moving the University to another community. In order to keep it in Columbia, citizens raised $50,000 for the construction of Jesse Hall. Today, the University of Missouri has a student population of more than 30,000 and is Columbia's largest employer.
In Columbia, “Collegetown U.S.A.,” higher education plays a major economic and social role.
Columbia College is a private coeducational liberal arts and sciences institution offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Founded in 1851 as Christian Female College, the institution was renamed Columbia College when it became coeducational in 1970. The main campus in Columbia is located on 30 acres in the heart of the city and offers a traditional day program and an evening campus for adult learners. The college also has 31 extended campuses across the nation for civilian and military students. For more information, call 1-800-231-2391, ext. 7230 or visit Columbia College.
Stephens College, founded in 1833 as Columbia’s first institution of higher education, is a premier national liberal arts college for women in the Midwest. As a private college, Stephens offers an undergraduate education for women in the liberal arts and provides solid preparation in the performing arts and in pre-professional fields. Continuing education and graduate programs are open to men and women. For more information call 1-800-876-7207 or visit Stephens College
The University of Missouri was founded in 1839. Controversy over where the University would be built began in the 1830's. Six counties bid on the project; most of them were only able to raise a little over $1,000. Boone Couty was able to raise more than $118,000 in cash, land and buildings. The state did not appropriate funds for the University until 1867. When Academic Hall Burned down in 1892, there was talk of moving the University to another community. In order to keep it in Columbia, citizens raised $50,000 for the constructin of Jesse Hall.
Today, the University of Missouri has a student population of more than 30,000 and is Columbia's largest employer.
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