Columbia State Community College
About Columbia State Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbia State Community College, opened in 1966, was the first community college in Tennessee, and teaches south of Nashville. Nursing and business are its largest programs.
Founded
1966
Location
Columbia, Tennessee
Students
3,897
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
29.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,296
Out-of-state: $18,112
Avg Net Price
$4,734
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$40,256
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
29.6% complete their degree within three years
Retention
55.5%
Transfer Out
19%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$7.3K
Class Size
Large
The 29.6% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,296
In-State
$18,112
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$13,179
After Financial Aid
$4,734
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,083
Receive Grants
29.8%
Take Loans
5.2%
Tuition is $5,296/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $4,734.
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 State Community College fund their education.
While in School
29.8%
Get Grants
Free money
5.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$26,796
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$8,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$90/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $8,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Columbia State Community College.
Gender
62.8%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,897
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
44%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
16.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 44% 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
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
3,897
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Columbia State Community College fields 4 varsity teams with 95 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division I
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
4
Biggest: Baseball
Student Athletes
95
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
54
Men
41
Women
2
Men's Teams
3
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Columbia State Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$40,256
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$26K
541 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$65K
84 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$32K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$56K
28 grads
4yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$58K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Education, General
$42K
18 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $35K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia State Community College
How much does Columbia State Community College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Columbia State Community College?▾
How much do Columbia State Community 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.