Koalas Climb Higher
#3
Top Performer for Social Mobility in the South (U.S. News & World Report)
97% of Koalas are hired within 6 months of graduating
100% of graduates volunteer in the community
Your Journey Starts Now
Guided by Purpose
Columbia College is a diverse and welcoming place where students and faculty come together to learn, grow, and do what matters. And it’s been that way for nearly 170 years. Faithful to our Methodist origins, we are committed to social justice, diversity, and inclusivity as core values.
Empowered for Life
With a student body of 1,500, our intimate culture allows every voice to be heard, every question to be answered, and every individual to be celebrated. Our Koala community is a united network of faculty, staff, and proud students who want to see each other thrive.
Positioned to Succeed
Columbia College encourages students to think critically and communicate openly. Our holistic education provides the soft skills that employers look for and a well-rounded knowledge that prepares students for a life of impact and meaning.
A Campus for Everyone
Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina, is a picturesque campus that blends historical charm with modern facilities. Nestled in a vibrant, green landscape, it features classic red-brick buildings and expansive lawns. The campus radiates a sense of community and intellectual vigor, offering students an incredible environment for learning. Its wellequipped facilities, combined with a rich academic tradition, make Columbia College a nurturing ground for future leaders and innovators.
Your Home Your City
Small College, Capital City
Koalas have more to explore in the Capital City. Columbia is a city steeped in educational richness and cultural diversity. Its historical and contemporary blend provides an inspiring backdrop for students, fostering a unique educational experience that extends beyond the campus. Students can immerse themselves in a vibrant art scene, participate in community-oriented events, discover nature in nearby Congaree National Park, dine in award-winning restaurants, and more.
Columbia College students can explore Columbia’s three rivers by kayaking, enjoy local festivals, and visit historic landmarks, blending outdoor adventure with rich cultural experiences.
At Columbia College, every path leads to a lifetime of possibilities.
Koalas Grow Together
Pursue Your Passion
Everywhere you look, Koalas are meeting, practicing, planning, and connecting. Are you a singer? Join our gospel choir. Do you love organizing fun things? Join our Activities Board. Do you have a special interest or hobby? Join a sorority, pre-health, Esports, or literary group. With 40+ student groups, you can be sure that there are other koalas that share your same passions.
Be Your Best Self
There’s a reason Columbia College ranks so highly for social mobility. After all, we do everything we can to make sure every student gets the help they need. We have special programs for first-year and first-generation students. We have dedicated counselors and career services—both free—to help with personal growth and job planning. Plus, students have access to academic advisors, staff advisors, and peer mentors to ensure every semester goes smoothly.
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QUESTIONS? ASK ADMISSIONS
Students Plays a Varsity Sport
“THE FRIENDSHIPS I’VE MADE FEEL MORE LIKE A FAMILY BOND.”
- DAYLON MCDONALD ‘25
Koalas Make A Difference
From education, exercise science, and business to criminal justice, speech pathology, and art, there’s something for every interest at Columbia College. And our customizable, accessible, and personalized degree options help you find your perfect fit. No matter what path you choose, though, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to make a difference.
14:1 50+ #3
Student to Faculty Ratio
Majors and Programs
Top Perfomer for Social Mobility in the
South
Featured Major
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology (SLP) provides you with an understanding of human communication and communication disorder and is a major with endless opportunities. Graduates of our program can choose to immediately enter the workforce as an assistant (SLP-A) or pursue a Master’s in SLP. Whatever path you choose, you’ll find fulfillment in improving the lives of others.
• Learn directly from professors who care deeply about what they teach
• Engage your interests through research opportunities, student organizations, and the best clinical technology
• Spend time celebrating your major with Columbia College’s very own SLP day
ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT
Christen Townsend
Speech-Language Pathology
Christen is a graduate of the online SLP program. Despite pursuing her degree remotely, she felt her professors knew her and treated her no differently. And she’s still closely connected with peers from the program. Currently, Christen is pursuing a master’s from USC and believes she is better prepared because of the SLP program at Columbia College. “We are covering material that I was familiar with from my undergraduate program. Without that knowledge, I would be overwhelmed.”
“I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they can’t communicate with someone. I want others to have the ability and resources to communicate because it’s integral to everything we do in our lives.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT SLP
“IF YOU WANT TO BE A LEADER, THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOULD COME.”
Criminal Justice
A degree in Criminal Justice gives you a wellrounded background for diverse positions at the local, state, and federal levels. Graduates can find rewarding careers in a wide range of roles, including as criminal profilers, intelligence analysts, and police officers. You also have the opportunity to concentrate in Forensic Criminal Justice, which positions you for a career in the forensic sciences, either in the laboratory or in crime scene investigation.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Traci Dingle ‘06
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Dingle jumped at the opportunity to return to her alma mater to offer students the same holistic approach to education she received as an undergrad.
She knows firsthand that the Criminal Justice program prepares its students for success through partnerships and experiential learning. And that it exposes students to different careers in the field so they’re ready to thrive no matter what path they choose.
POPULAR COURSES:
Law Enforcement & Report Writing—Explore the organization and administration of the criminal justice system.
Criminological Theory—Critically evaluate theories about crime and criminal behavior.
Forensic DNA with Lab —Learn to conduct forensics and crime scene investigations with scientific analysis of evidence.
“Our Criminal Justice graduates will be ready to compete at the next level.”
Dr. John Zubizarreta Honors Program
Columbia College offers an Honors Program for motivated, ambitious students eager to accept challenges and engage in deeper ways of learning. It’s a rigorous track, but one that pays off with incredible experiential learning opportunities and enviable student outcomes.
OPPORTUNITIES & OUTCOMES:
Three National Honors Student of the Year Awards
Four Partners in the Parks Program Sections (NCHC and U.S. National Parks experience)
Two Semester-at-Sea Program Selections
Students have earned fellowships and internships with Harvard’s WorldTeach, Yale School of Medicine Enrichment Program, Mayo Clinic, etc.
Students have earned graduate, medical, and law degrees from Harvard, Princeton, NYU, Emory, Duke, Virginia, Michigan, MUSC, and more
Semesters in places like Prague, Grand Canyon, New York City, Wales, and the Amazon River
Opportunities to participate in: National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), Southern Regional Honors Council, National Society for Minorities in Honors, and more
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Breanna Harris
Junior | Honors Program
Breanna is a highly motivated and engaged student. She is a double major in Chemistry and Communication. She chose Columbia College because of its size and proximity to her hometown (Inman, SC). What sold her, however, was her visit to the campus. It was welcoming and, as she put it, she “felt at home and felt it was a place I could thrive.” From all accounts, she is definitely thriving.
“You’re not a face or number in a giant classroom—you establish personal relationships with professors.”
Exercise Science
Exercise Science is a degree that combines everything you love about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and fitness. You get to constantly learn new strategies and address new challenges as you run stress tests, develop exercise programs, and evaluate performance. Whether you plan to become a physical therapist or a personal trainer, your workday will never be boring!
CAREER PATHS INCLUDE:
• Exercise Physiologist
• Physical Therapist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Personal Trainer
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
All Undergraduate Programs
You can study what you love here. Our traditional college experience offers lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends.
Major * Minor † Concentration ^ Certificate ‡ Online/Evening ˜
Accounting*˜
Athletic Coaching†
Behavioral Science*˜ Biology*
Business Administration*†‡˜
Business Analytics*‡˜ Chemistry*†
Communication*†
Community & Organizational Leadership*˜
Computer & Information Science*†˜
Criminal Justice*†‡˜
Cyber Security^‡˜
Dance Education & Dance Studies*†
Disaster & Emergency Management*†˜
Early Childhood Education*˜
Educational Studies*†˜
Elementary Education*˜
English*†
English Education*
English/Language Arts Middle Level Education^
Environmental Studies†
Exercise Science*†
Forensic Criminal Justice^˜
Forensic Psychology*˜
Gender and Women’s Studies†
General Studies*˜ Healthcare Administration*†˜
Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management†^‡ Human Development & Family Studies*†
Individualized Studies*˜ Investigation˜ Leadership Studies†‡˜ Marketing^˜ Mathematics*†‡ Mathematics Middle Level Education^
Middle Level Education*˜ Music*† Political Science*† Psychology*†˜
Public Health*† Science Middle Level Education^
Social Studies Middle Level Education^˜ Social Work*‡˜ Spanish†
Special Education*˜
Speech-Language Pathology*†‡˜
Sports Management^
Studio Art*†
Trauma-Informed Practices‡†˜
Koalas Play With Heart
We recruit student-athletes who have a passion for their sport and can make an impact on the team. Our studentathletes are more than competitive, though. They understand the importance of setting good examples on and off the field—and those values have helped us achieve the Champions of Character Gold Member Status with the NAIA since 2011.
Scholarships
We offer athletic scholarships to talented studentathletes. Take advantage of the opportunity to save money on your college tuition while playing the sport you love.
Women’s Teams
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Men’s Teams
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track & Field
Koalas Lead and Succeed
When you’re running drills on the court or training on the field, you build bonds that last forever. As a student-athlete you’ll get to push through challenges and fight for victories with your favorite people by your side.
Our athletes have a collective GPA of 3.35. Their success in both learning and
athletics shows how they grow into confident individuals that see the world from every angle. Koalas practice quiet leadership—and they get to have fun doing it.
KOALA SPOTLIGHT
Makayla Hollifield
Makayla Hollifield is a Columbia College alum, 2022-2023 Savory Award winner, and was a member of the Women’s Track and Field team. Makayla leads her teammates and peers by her example of passion and dedication.
HOMETOWN Fayetteville, NC
HIGH SCHOOL
Jack Britt High School EVENTS
1000m, Mile, 4x800 relay
“ Motivated and empowered are two words that come to mind when I think about being a student-athlete at CC. I am grateful for this journey that I am on and blessed to have such wonderful teammates, family, friends, professors, and coaches who have helped me become the best version of
Your Schedule
Personalize Your Path
We deliver programs that enhance your life on your schedule. With online and evening degrees, you never have to put your plans on hold. Get a flexible education and make a difference in the world.
Online Degrees that Fit Your Life
• Keep living your life: 100% online + evening options
• Ultimate flexibility: No login times
• Budget-friendly: Transfer up to 90 credits
Exclusive Online Programs
• Community & Organizational Leadership
• Disaster & Emergency Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Trauma-Informed Practices
Graduate Degrees for Working Adults
• Make your career count: Master’s in one year
• Go full-steam ahead: 100% online & 7-week courses
• We make it easy: Free e-books
Your Future
Empowered for Success
As a graduate of Columbia College, you’re ready for what comes next—and no matter what your path may be, what comes next for our graduates is success. Because here, you’re empowered to share your talents, give back to others, and meet challenges with confidence. And you gain the knowledge, traits, and skills that employers want.
Personalized Career Coaching
Get personalized career coaching from our committed Student Success Team and craft a 4-year roadmap to success with your dedicated success coach.
Graduate School Support
If medical school, law school, or other graduate program is in your plans, you’ll find a support network and resources to ensure you’re not only accepted, but that you thrive while there.
READY FOR SUCCESS? APPLY NOW
Your Investment
Empowered for Success
A personalized, private education from Columbia College can take you anywhere you want to go. And we make sure you aren’t overly burdened with debt when you get there. In fact, our average financial aid package, which includes scholarships, grants, financial aid, loans, and student work, makes attending Columbia College more affordable than many public schools.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
General Scholarship Benefits—Benefit from scholarships up to $15,500 for on-campus and $7,750 for off-campus students, alongside exclusive aid for South Carolina residents.
Comprehensive Financial Aid—Access a variety of aid options including federal grants, flexible loan programs, and loan forgiveness opportunities.
Specialized Support Programs—Take advantage of programs for veterans, the SC Teacher Loan Program, student employment opportunities, continuous summer aid, and more.
Academic Excellence Rewards—Earn significant scholarships based on your GPA, ranging from the Presidential Scholarship ($8,000) to the Koala Scholarship ($2,000).
Support Beyond Academics—Explore additional scholarships for athletics, honors, and specific programs, ensuring a holistic approach to your education.
Students Pay Less Than Full Tuition
Your Next Move
Join Our Koala Community
Come to a school where you really get to make your mark. A place where you’ll be empowered. A place where you’ll be at home. A place where you’ll be ready to thrive. This is your chance to write a more meaningful and rewarding story for yourself—so what are you waiting
How To Apply
We accept applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply any time! Our process is test-optional and there’s no application fee.
Ways To Get In Touch
Talk to Admissions
Questions? Let us help!
Go to: columbiasc.edu/admissions/admissions-team
Visit Our Campus
Wondering if you could see yourself here? Let’s meet! Go to: columbiasc.edu/visit
Apply Today
Ready to become a Koala for life?
Go to: columbiasc.edu/admissions/how-apply
