WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE | VIEWBOOK
97% of Koalas are hired within six months of graduating
#5 Top Performer for Social Mobility in the South (U.S. News & World Report)
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 over 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 1,700, 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 approach to education provides the soft skills that employers look for and a wellrounded 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.
QUESTIONS? ASK ADMISSIONS
39%
First-Generation College Students
Majors and Programs 14:1 30+
Student to Faculty Ratio
Koalas Make a Difference
Discover Your Potential
At Columbia College, we prioritize an education that encourages exploration, innovation, and leadership. Our 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio guarantees a personalized learning environment, allowing for close interactions with dedicated faculty. This nurturing setting provides the perfect foundation for discovering your passions and preparing for a meaningful future.
Academic Excellence, Tailored for You
Our academic programs are both rigorous and responsive, aiming to equip you with vital knowledge and critical thinking skills. You will engage in experiential learning, work on research projects with faculty, and participate in internships that offer real-world experience. This holistic approach ensures that your education goes beyond theoretical learning, fostering practical skills and a thorough understanding of your field.
QUESTIONS? ASK ADMISSIONS
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SLP
Featured Major
Exercise Science
Exercise Science is a degree that combines everything you love about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and fitness. You get to continually learn new strategies and address new challenges as you administer 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!
LEARN MORE ABOUT EXERCISE SCIENCE
CAREER PATHS INCLUDE:
• Exercise Physiologist
• Physical Therapist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Personal Trainer
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
Master’s in Business Administration
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? A Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) could be the key to unlocking your professional potential and opening doors to countless opportunities. Our online MBA offers two concentrations: Resilience-Based Management and Social Impact Management, building leadership, strategic insight, and business skills for today’s competitive job market.
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Leadership Roles - Get prepared for leadership roles across industries like finance, marketing, healthcare, and tech.
• Entrepreneurship - Learn how to start your own business or drive innovation within an established company.
• Career Advancement - Gaining advanced skills enhances your competitiveness for senior roles across sectors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MBA
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:
One of 16 colleges nationwide designated “Partners in Peace” by the Nobel Peace Center; integral in planning the Wellness In Action weekend
Three National Honors Student of the Year Awards
Received a Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Grant from the City of Columbia
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, and more
Honors student Breanna Harris won 1st place nationally for her “Computational Exploration of Sustainable Organic Batteries” poster
Opportunities to participate in: National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), Southern Regional Honors Council, National Society for Minorities in Honors, and more
Areas of Study
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 ˜
Accounting*˜
Athletic Coaching†
Behavioral Science*˜
Biology*
Business Administration*†‡˜˚
Chemistry*†
Communication*†
Community & Organizational Leadership*˜
Computer & Information Science*†˜
Criminal Justice*†‡˜˚
Cyber Security^‡˜
Dance Education & Dance Studies*†
Disaster & Emergency Management*†˜
Early Childhood Education*˜
Educational Administration & Leadership˚
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*†˜˚
Higher Education Administration˚
Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management†^‡
Human Development & Family Studies*†
Individualized Studies*˜
Innovation & Divergent Learning˚
Leadership Studies†‡˜
Marketing^˜
Mathematics*†‡
Mathematics Middle Level Education^
Middle Level Education*˜
Graduate ˚
Music*†
Organizational Leadership˚
Political Science*†
Psychology*†˜
Public Health*†
Resilience Based Management^˚
Science Middle Level Education^
Social Impact Management^˚
Social Studies Middle Level Education*
Social Work*‡˜ Spanish†
Special Education*˜
Speech-Language Pathology*†‡˜
Sports Management*^
Studio Art*†
Trauma-Informed Education˚
Trauma-Informed Practices‡†˜
Writing†
Please note that some of our academic offerings may have changed since this publication. For the most updated and complete list of programs offered at Columbia College, please visit our official website at columbiasc.edu/academics
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. 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
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track & Field
Men’s Teams
Volleyball Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
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.
Students Plays a Varsity Sport
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 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. 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.
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 ($10,000) 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.
Let's Get You Started
Join Our Koala Community
Join a school that empowers you, feels like home, and prepares you to succeed. Apply year-round—no fee or test needed—to create a meaningful story for yourself. Why wait?
Ways To Get In Touch
Talk to Admissions We’re here to help! columbiasc.edu/admissions
Visit Our Campus Let’s connect! columbiasc.edu/visit
Apply Today
Ready to become a Koala for life? columbiasc.edu/apply
5 STEPS TO APPLY
1
• Pick a Program That Matches Your Interests
Explore our programs and review your options. When ready, select the best fit!
2
• Start Your Free Online Application
Start with our application or the common application. Take breaks and return later to check your status!
3
• Complete Your FAFSA
Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov or apply for scholarships.
4
• Request Your Transcripts
Official transcripts should be sent directly from each school.
5
• Submit SAT/ACT Scores
Your SAT or ACT score is necessary for scholarships but not for applying to Columbia College. Use school code 5117 for SAT and 3850 for ACT.
