Columbia College, SC | Viewbook 2023

COLUMBIA COLLEGE VIEWBOOK 2023-2024

YOUR CALLING IS CALLING.

WELCOME HOME.

Remaining true to our Methodist roots, Columbia College prioritizes matters of social justice and service. These values have navigated how we care for, direct, and teach our students for over a century. Our founding motto in 1854 was “non quem sed quid,” not who, but what.

In other words, one’s identity is not solely defined by the person who starts the journey, but rather by the qualities and values that drive our students toward success. One’s intellect, integrity, and faith matter most, and Columbia College is committed to helping our students discover these qualities and cultivating them along the way. We work to support our students while we empower them to share their talents and give back to others.

Developing leaders is at the heart of what we do. We have a range of leadership programs—from a dedicated minor in leadership to specialized courses, training, and experiential learning. You have unique gifts to offer the world. We will help you explore those talents and give you the tools to build Courage, Commitment, Confidence, and Competence..

The mission of Columbia College is to prepare every student personally and professionally for success through liberal arts and professional programs emphasizing service, social justice, and leadership development.

The vision of Columbia College is to empower our students to change the world with Courage for Innovation, Commitment to Social Justice, Confidence through Service, and Competence in Leadership.

15 athletic teams

ATHLETICS

We recruit student-athletes who have a passion for their sport and can make an impact on the team. More than a third of our students participate in athletics and collectively hold a 3.35 GPA. Whether on the field or in the classroom, you can find unique opportunities to prepare for success in your career, community, and life. Columbia College has achieved the Champions of Character Gold Member Status with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 2011.

Men's Teams

• Cross Country

• Golf

• Soccer

• Swimming

• Tennis

• Track & Field

Women's Teams

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Golf

• Soccer

• Softball

• Swimming

• Tennis

• Track & Field

• Volleyball

Interested in joining an Athletics team? Scan the QR code to the right to learn more about Athletics!

12x CHAMPIONS of character, NAIA

"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 myself.”

- Makayla Hollifield, Class of 2023

STUDENT LIFE

Student Organizations

With a variety of organizations, there is plenty to do outside of the classroom. Columbia College’s close-knit community offers students a vibrant collegiate experience. With social and service clubs, political action groups, student government, musical groups, religious groups, honor societies, social service clubs, dance groups, theatre groups, and ministry opportunities, it is easy to get involved in campus life. In addition, qualified students can serve as ambassadors for the College.

Residence Life & Housing

On-campus housing at Columbia College is available to full-time students only. Housing includes single and double room options in our residence halls and on-campus cottages. Commuter students can kick back between classes in their own commuter lounge.

Esports

Fall 2022 launched the Columbia College Esports Program, led by Colin Tracy. Esports is the use of video games in event management, streaming production, and organized competition. It allows for students to stay active within the community while participating in the rapidly developing culture around competitive gaming.

40+ student organizations

100% of graduates volunteer in the community

“The moment I stepped on campus everyone treated me like a part of the family. I loved the deep sense of community that I felt and had not witnessed anywhere else.”

- Kell Evans, Class of 2023

ADMISSIONS

We empower you to share your talents, give back to others, and meet challenges with confidence. Are you ready to apply?

First-Year Students

To be eligible for admission as a first-year, you should be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent. We recommend that 16 or more college preparatory academic courses should be earned in the following:

• English (2 courses)

• Laboratory Science (2 courses)

• Foreign Language (2 courses)

• Algebra I and II

• Geometry

• U.S. History

• World History

• Social Sciences

• Advanced Mathematics

• Natural Sciences

Second Degree Student

If you are applying for a second degree, you will be required to submit official transcripts from every institution you have attended since graduating high school. Once your application and documentation have been received, you will be asked to pay a $50 application fee.

Non-Degree Seeking Student

When applying as a non-degree seeking student, please note the course you are applying for in your application. You must submit an application for each semester you are a student, and you will be required to pay your course fees prior to the start of classes.

We operate on a rolling admission basis. Which means you can apply to Columbia College at any time! Applying early increases your likelihood of being accepted because we make admission decisions as applications are completed. Our application is free and available online.

WE CAN GET YOU HERE IN 5 STEPS:

STEP 1 - APPLY

• Visit ColumbiaSC.edu/Apply to start your free application.

STEP 2 - TRANSCRIPTS

• Request your unofficial or official transcript. Official transcripts are required before you attend your classes.

STEP 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS

• Submit an optional recommendation: Ask your high school guidance counselor to submit a letter of recommendation. We also ask that you submit a recommendation from a teacher who taught you in English, Math, History, Science, or a Foreign Language course during 11th or 12th grade. Letters of recommendation can be sent through the Common Application or to Documents@ColumbiaSC.edu.

STEP 4 - TEST SCORES

• Share your SAT or ACT scores (optional): Your SAT or ACT score is required if you apply for a scholarship, but it is not required to apply to Columbia College. Use our school code 5117 to share your SAT scores and school code 3850 to share your ACT scores.

STEP 5 - ADMISSION

• Admitted students are notified by mail and will receive follow-up information about the next steps, like financial aid, housing, orientation, and registration.

When applying, keep in mind that you will have to self-identify throughout the application. Here are a few ways to help you self-identify:

• First-Year (Freshman) Student: I am about to graduate high school, or I have not attended any college after high school graduation. (This includes students who completed AP and Dual Enrollment courses).

• Transfer Student: I have completed classes of any kind at a college or university after high school completion. Review our transfer process at ColumbiaSC.edu/Transfer.

The steps to apply are simple – start the process today by pointing your smartphone camera at the QR code to the left!

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Whether you are just starting out as an undergrad, coming back to college to finish your degree, or advancing your career with a graduate degree, we empower you with opportunities to learn, lead, and serve.

Undergraduate/Day

Ninety-nine percent of #CCofSC undergraduate students do not pay full tuition. 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.

Tuition for full-time students

Tuition for part-time students

Housing costs for first-year students

Meal plan for first-year students

Housing costs after your first year

Meal plan after your first year

Resource & Technology Fee*

Online

$20,650

$690 / semester hour

$4,180

$4,370

$4,450 - $5,800

$4,000 - $4,250

$400 (Full-time) and $200 (Part-time) / semester

Our online undergraduate tuition is $395 per semester hour. Advance your education anywhere, anytime, with our 100% online degrees. For online programs, we accept up to 90 credits for transfer, so that you can complete your degree in less time at a lower cost. Resource & Technology Fee*: $25 per credit hour.

Evening

We offer opportunities to complete your undergraduate degree exclusively in the evening, so you can stay focused on your job or other priorities while charting a new and exciting path. For evening programs, we also accept up to 90 credits for transfer, so that you can complete your degree in less time at a lower cost.

Tuition for full-time students

Tuition for part-time students

Resource & Technology Fee*

$6,300 / semester

$395 / semester hour

$25 / semester hour

$3,000

less than per year average out-of-pocket cost

The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students and their families make attending Columbia College an academic and financial reality through financial aid planning. It is best to submit all required forms as soon as possible, since most aid is awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of race, gender, religious creed, place of national origin, ethnic group, or physical disability.

APPLY IN 3 STEPS:

STEP 1 - APPLY FOR ADMISSION

• Apply for admission to Columbia College.

STEP 2 - FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at StudentAid.gov. (Undergraduate students, keep in mind that all South Carolina residents must complete the FAFSA no later than June 30th (of the year starting college) to qualify for the South Carolina Tuition Grant.)

STEP 3 - ACCEPTANCE

• Receive your official award after your acceptance.

If you apply early, you are eligible for more scholarship opportunities. We invite qualified students to come to campus to interview for scholarships.

Academic Scholarships include the Presidential, 1854, Columns, Fountain, Koala, and Honors Scholarships. To learn more about these scholarship programs visit ColumbiaSC.edu/Tuition-Aid/Scholarships.

Out-of-State Scholarship Opportunities

• Academic Scholarships

• Athletics Scholarships

• Degree Scholarships

In-State Scholarship Opportunities

• Palmetto Fellowship

• Life Scholarship

• Hope Scholarship

• South Carolina Tuition Grant

Types of Federal Financial Aid

• Grants

• Federal Direct Loan

• Parent Plus Loan

• Private Loans

• Federal Work-Study

If you have questions regarding Financial Aid please call 803.786.3612 or for Tuition Accounts, please call 803.786.3617.

I owe my career success to Columbia College. My college research opened the door to a local and national conference, where I won awards and also landed an internship in Silicon Valley.

— Pragya Tripathi, Class of 2013

BEST COLLEGES

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Best Value Regional Universities

• Accounting, B.S.

• Behavioral Science, B.A.

• Biology, B.A. or B.S.

• Business Administration, B.A.

» Concentrations: General Business; Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management; Marketing; Sports Management

• Business Analytics, B.S.

• Chemistry, B.A. or B.S.

» Concentrations for B.S.: Biochemistry or Chemistry

• Communication, B.A.

• Computer & Information Science, B.A. or B.S.

» Concentrations for B.A.: Cyber Security or Information Systems

• Criminal Justice, B.A.

» Concentrations: General or Forensic

• Dance Studies, B.A.

• Dance Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• Early Childhood Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• Educational Studies, B.A.

• Elementary Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• English, B.A.

• English, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• Exercise Science, B.S.

» Concentrations: Clinical Health & Exercise and Exercise & Health Promotion

• Forensic Psychology, B.S.

• General Studies, B.A.

• Human Development & Family Studies, B.A.

• Individualized Studies, B.A. or B.S.

• Mathematics, B.A. or B.S.

• Middle-Level Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

» Concentrations: English/Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies

• Music, B.A.

• Political Science, B.A.

• Psychology, B.A. or B.S.

• Public Health, B.A. or B.S.

» Pre-Nursing Track

• Social Work, B.A.

• Special Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• Speech-Language Pathology, B.A.

• Studio Art, B.A.

• Behavioral Science, B.A.

• Business Administration, B.A.

» Concentrations: Marketing or General Business

• Business Analytics, B.S.

• Community & Organizational Leadership, B.A.

• Computer & Information Science, B.A.

» Concentration: Cyber Security or Information Systems

• Criminal Justice, B.A.

» Concentrations: General or Forensic

• Disaster & Emergency Management, B.A.

• Forensic Psychology, B.S.

• General Studies, B.A.

• Healthcare Administration, B.A.

» Concentrations: Community Healthcare or Organizational Management

• Psychology, B.A.

• Speech-Language Pathology, B.A.

• Accounting, B.S.

• Business Administration, B.A.

» Concentrations: General Business, Marketing

• Business Analytics, B.S.

• Early Childhood Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• Educational Studies, B.A.

• Elementary Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• General Studies, B.A.

• Individualized Studies, B.A., B.S.

• Middle-Level Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

» Concentration: Social Studies

• Special Education, B.A. | Certifying to teach

• Social Work, B.A.

Have questions? Reach us at 803.786.3871 or Admissions@ColumbiaSC.edu.

11:1 Student to Faculty R atio

30+ undergraduate majors

100% classes taught by faculty

Online Program Benefits

169+ YEARS OF EDUCATING THE WORLD’S FUTURE LEADERS

• Earn your undergraduate degree completely online

• A new class starts every seven weeks

• Finish in less than two years

• $395 per semester hour—free eBooks

• Transfer up to a total of 90 credits, including up to 24 credits for qualified training

Evening Program Benefits

• Go at your own pace—earn your degree as a full or part-time student

• Engage in an interactive classroom environment

• Convenient class times from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday

• Learn from the same professors and follow the same curriculum as our traditional undergraduate students.

The steps to apply are simple – start the process today by pointing your smartphone camera at the QR code to the left!

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

We have a 169-year history of empowering students to lead, teach, and serve, and our graduate programs draw on these strengths. True to our history of liberal arts education, we will advance your leadership, communication, and analytical thinking.

We want to help you grow where you are, which is why our graduate curriculum is offered completely online, so you can work on your degree anywhere, anytime.

You will also benefit from small class sizes, engaged faculty, and free tutoring. Study alongside students of all ages at various stages of life and career.

Cost and Financial Aid

We are committed to helping you have access to a personalized, private education, which is why tuition is competitively priced at $580 a semester hour. All students receive free e-books but can purchase or rent physical copies for an additional cost. The resource and technology fee for $25/credit hour supports all areas of students’ academic success, including textbooks, tutoring services, general IT assistance, computer lab maintenance and upgrades, and library database access.

We work closely with you to estimate costs and explore financial assistance options. Graduate students are eligible for the Stafford Federal Loan, up to $20,500 per academic year. Financial aid is available to those who qualify based on the FAFSA.

Graduate Programs Offered

• Athletic Coaching, M.A. 30 Credit Hours

• Business Administration, M.B.A. 36 Credit Hours

• Criminal Justice, M.A. 30 Credit Hours

• Educational Administration & Leadership (K-12), M.Ed. 36 Credit Hours

• Healthcare Administration, M.A. 30 Credit Hours

• Higher Education Administration, M.Ed. 30-33 Credit Hours

• Innovation and Divergent Learning, M.Ed. 33 Credit Hours

• Organizational Leadership, M.A. 30 Credit Hours

• Trauma-Informed Education, M.Ed. 30 Credit Hours

The steps to apply are simple – start the process today by pointing your smartphone camera at the QR code to the left!

"The program's flexibility and online platform allowed me to be a full-time employee as well as a full-time student."

— Sena Nickles, Higher Education Administration Graduate

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Organized in 1882, the Columbia College Alumni Association is one of the oldest in the country, with approximately 15,000 members. Every semester, alums have opportunities to get involved with recruitment, mentoring, scholarships, hosting local events, campus activities, and more.

Today, 97% of graduates at Columbia College are hired or in graduate school within six months of graduating. In fact, nearly one in three students pursues a graduate degree. Columbia College is truly preparing students for the future.

The Columbia College Alumni Association wants graduates to feel supported long after they graduate. Connect with alumni at events, volunteer as a mentor, and refer quality students to attend. We are grateful to our loyal supporters who commit time and resources to impact Columbia College.

Know that once you graduate from #CCofSC, you will be among a network of invaluable friends and family that will always have an unbreakable Koala bond. To learn more about our Alumni Association, email CCAlum@ColumbiaSC.edu.

97% of Columbia College grads are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating

30% OF GRADUATES GET ADVANCED DEGREES

“I am most proud to be an alumnus of this institution with such a rich history of educating and empowering students to change the world!”

— Matthew Melvin, Trauma-Informed Education Graduate

What keeps me coming back to Columbia College is that feeling of home. I’ve made the best friends in the whole world here.

— Nan Cannon LaFitte, Alumni Association Chair

VISIT. EXPLORE. EXPERIENCE.

We would like to invite you to visit our beautiful campus in Columbia, SC. We are offering virtual, in-person, and open house options, so you can explore our campus in whatever way feels best for you and your family. Explore our history, degree options, and extracurriculars. We are excited about your interest, and we want to show you everything Columbia College has to offer. To sign up for a campus tour, register online at ColumbiaSC.edu/Visit.

Attend an Open House and Apply In-Person High school seniors and transfer students can complete their applications, submit their transcripts, and receive an on-site acceptance decision. Open House dates for the upcoming academic year will be October 28, 2023, February 17, and April 19, 2024.

Stop by the admissions office in Breed Leadership Center during our business hours. Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or contact the team directly at 803.786.3871 or Admissions@ColumbiaSC.edu.

FUTURE KOALA DAY

Already recieved your acceptance letter? Join us and learn what it's like to be a Koala. Take tours, explore departments, ask questions, and meet faculty, staff, counselors, students, and more!

Stay connected with the information below to see when our next Future Koala Day is!

STAY CONNECTED

Columbia College, SC

@ColumbiaCollegeSC

@ColumbiaKoala

Columbia College, SC

Columbia College, SC

52 ACRE CAMPUS

“I wanted to come into a small and intimate community where I knew that I could thrive and grow and would be supported through that journey no matter what!”

— Meaghan Waddell, Class of 2025

ACADEMICS

1. Barbara Bush Center for Science & Technology

Division of Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology, Division of Health & Science

2. Center for Career Coaching & Professional Development Office of Career Services/ Office of Student Success

3. Cottingham Box Office Cottingham Theater Division of Arts

Griffin Arena Theatre

4. J. Drake Edens Library

First Level: Library Reference & User Services

Second Level: Honors Program; Collaborative Learning Center

Lower Level: Division of Communication, Language & Literatures; Information Technology Services; Overton Media Center; Pearce Communication Center

5. Spears Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Goodall Gallery

6. Will Lou Gray Division of Behavioral Science ADMINISTRATION

7. Allison Administration Building

First Level: Human Resources/Benefits Coordinator; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; VP Finance

Second Level: Registrar

Third Level: Financial Aid; Financial Services; Payroll & Student Employment

8. Facilities Management

9. Janet Alexander Cotter Alumnae Hall

Alawee Gibson Tucker Conference Room

Alumnae Relations

Office of Advancement

“The Parlor” (former Vera Young Thomas Memorial Library)

Office of Communications & Marketing

10. The Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Center for Women

First Level: Breed Leadership Lecture Hall

Second Level: Gibson-Tucker Board Room; Mary Adams Brown Grand Foyer; Office of Admissions

11. Maxwell House ATHLETICS

12. Athletic Complex Price Pavillion Sutton Softball Field Younts Lacrosse & Soccer Stadium

13. Godbold Center Athletics Department Athletic Training Room Dance Studios

STUDENT LIFE

19. College Place United Methodist Church

Children’s Garden Daycare

20. Columbia College Police Dept.

21. Columbia Community Family Practice

22. Hudson Hall

23. Kneece Hall — The Cottages

24. Knox Hall — The Cottages

25. McNair Hall

26. Mirse Hall

27. S.C.A.H.P.E.R.D.

South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance

28. SC United Methodist Center

29. Student Union

First Level: Dining Area

Second Level: Terrace Café, Student Lounge

Lower Level: Office of Residence Life & Housing; Office of Student Activities

30. T.J. Harrelson Student Services Center

First Level: Bookstore; Women’s Business & Entrepreneurship Center; Post Office; Women’s Business Center of South Carolina

Second Level: Division of Student Affairs; Koala Pantry; Office of Counseling & Accessibility Services; Office of the Dean of Students; Office of Multicultural Affairs & Community Resources

31. Wesley Hall

PARKING

A, B, G – Visitor Parking C,

The steps to apply are simple – start the process today by pointing your smartphone camera at the QR code to the right!