Columbia College
About Columbia College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbia College in South Carolina is a private college in the state capital that educated women for more than 160 years before admitting men to its day programs. Criminal justice, business and psychology are its largest programs.
Founded
1854
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Students
1,677
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
36.9%
Below national average
Tuition
$22,214
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,408
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$41,338
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Columbia College accepts the majority of applicants at 93.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
36.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
60.4%
4-Year Grad
46%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
33.7%
$/Student
$7.2K
Class Size
Medium
46% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$22,214
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,390
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$35,258
After Financial Aid
$18,408
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,541
Receive Grants
54%
Take Loans
65.3%
The total cost of attendance runs about $35,258/yr, including $9,390 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $18,408.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Columbia College fund their education.
While in School
54%
Get Grants
Free money
65.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$34,742
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$241/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,750 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Columbia College.
Gender
78.6%
Female
21%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,343
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
334
Graduates
41.4%
First-Gen
29 yrs
Avg Age
43.2%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 29, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 41.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
1,343
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Columbia College fields 10 varsity teams with 335 student athletes, about 25% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Appalachian
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
335
25% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
44% / 56%
147
Men
188
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Columbia Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$41,338
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Criminal Justice and Corrections
$51K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$43K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
20 grads
4yr Earnings
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
—
15 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39K
14 grads
1yr Earnings
Education, General
—
13 grads
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $41K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia College
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College?▾
How much does Columbia College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Columbia College?▾
How much do Columbia College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.