Columbia College

Columbia, SC

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Columbia, founded in 1854, is a church-affiliated college for women. Its 33-acre campus is located on the north side of Columbia.

Website: www.columbiasc.edu/

Private
1,379
Undergraduate
Students
(74.3%) 1,025 Women
(25.7%) 354 Men
134
Graduate
Students

Admission

Entrance Difficulty
Moderately difficult
Overall Admission Rate
87% of 880 applicants were admitted
Early Action Offered
No
Early Decision Offered
No
Regular Admission Deadline
May 1

Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

Average GPA
3.72
SAT Math
460-540 range of middle 50%
SAT EBRW
520 average
490-580 range of middle 50%
ACT Composite
20 average
17-21 range of middle 50%
See more

Money Matters

Cost of Attendance
$33,912
Tuition and Fees
$19,890
Room and Board
$7,900
Average Percent of Need Met
82%
Average Freshman Award
$21,723
Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
$25,333
See more

Academics

Academic Calendar System
Semester
General Education/Core Curriculum
Required for most or all students
Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
55
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 28% of classes
10-19 students: 47% of classes
20-29 students: 24% of classes
30-39 students: 1% of classes
See more

Campus Life

Columbia Population
133,358
Nearest Metropolitan Area
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students in College Housing
29% of all students
Athletic Conferences
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Mascot
Koalas
Sororities
 
Fraternities
 
See more

Students

Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.8% American Indian/Alaskan Native
0.7% Asian
34.0% Black/African-American
3.7% Hispanic/Latino
3.3% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
56.1% White
1.3% Unknown
International Students
3.1% from 21 countries
First-Year Students Returning
71.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
45.6%
Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
93%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
Not reported
See more

Freshman Admission Requirements

Entrance Difficulty

Moderately Difficult: More than 75% of freshmen were in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT I or over 18 on the ACT; about 85% or fewer of all applicants accepted.

High School Preparation

High School Graduation
High school diploma required and GED is accepted
High School Program
 

High School Units Required or Recommended

High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject Required Units Recommended Units
English   4
Mathematics   3
Science   2
Foreign Language   2
Social Studies   2
History   1
Academic Electives   2

Examinations

Examinations
Exam Required Units Scores Due in Admissions Office
SAT or ACT Considered if submitted July 1
SAT Only    
ACT Only    
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT    
SAT Subject Tests Only Not used if submitted
SAT Essay Component Policy Accepted with or without essay component
ACT Writing Test Policy Accepted with or without writing component
ACT Writing Test Policy SAT: Not used
ACT: Not used

Applying for Admission

Admissions Office

Address
1301 Columbia College Drive
City, State, Zip
Columbia, SC 29203-5998
Phone
(803) 786-3871
Fax
(803) 786-3674
E-mail
admissions@columbiasc.edu

Application Dates and Fees

Regular Admisson Deadline
May 1
Application Fee
No fee required
Application Fee Waiver
Available
Regular Admission Notification
Not reported
Accept Offer of Admission
By May 1 or within 4 weeks if notified after May 1
Waiting List Used
No
Defer Admission
Student cannot defer admission
Transfer Admission
Transfer applications accepted

Early Admission

Early Decision Offered
No
Early Decision Deadline
 
Early Decision Notification
 
Early Action Offered
No
Early Action Deadline
 
Early Action Notification
 

Application Form

Common Application
Accepted
Universal College Application
Not accepted
Electronic Application
Available

Other Application Requirements

Interview
Not Required
Essay or Personal Statement
Recommended for all freshmen
Letters of Recommendation
 
Other
 
Financial Need
Financial need is not a consideration in the admissions process

Selection of Students

Selection of Students
Factor Very Important Important Considered Not Considered
Rigor of Secondary School Record X
Academic GPA X
Standardized Tests X
Class Rank X
Recommendations X
Essay X
Interview X
Level of Applicant's Interest X
Extracurricular Activities X
Volunteer Work X
Particular Talent/Ability X
Character/Personal Qualities X
First Generation to Attend College X
State Residency X
Geographic Residence X
Relation with Alumnus X
Religious Affiliation/Commitment X
Ethnicity X
Work Experience X

Profile of Fall Admission

Overall Admission Rate
87% of 880 applicants were admitted
Women
87% of 880 applicants were admitted
Men
Not reported
Students Enrolled
189 (25%) of 764 admitted students enrolled
Women
173 (23%) of 764 admitted students enrolled
Men
16 admitted students enrolled
Early Decision Admission Rate
 
Early Action Admission Rate
 
Students Offered Wait List
 
Students Accepting Wait List Position
 
Students Admitted From Wait List
 

Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)

Average GPA
3.72
3.75 and Above
56%
3.50 - 3.74
12%
3.25 - 3.49
14%
3.00 - 3.24
8%
2.50 - 2.99
9%
2.00 - 2.49
1%

SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

SAT Math
460-540 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
0%
Score of 600 - 700
3%
Score of 500 - 600
47%
Score of 400 - 500
41%
Score of 300 - 400
9%
Score of 200 - 300
0%
SAT EBRW
520 average
490-580 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
0%
Score of 600 - 700
16%
Score of 500 - 600
50%
Score of 400 - 500
25%
Score of 300 - 400
9%
Score of 200 - 300
0%

ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

ACT Composite
20 average
17-21 range of middle 50%
Score of 30 - 36
3%
Score of 24 - 29
14%
Score of 18 - 23
56%
Score of 12 - 17
27%
Score of 6 - 11
0%
Score of 5 or Below
0%

Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

High School Class Rank
Top tenth: 9%
Top quarter: 34%
Top half: 72%
National Merit Scholar
Not reported
Valedictorian
Not reported
Class President
Not reported
Student Government Officer
Not reported

Tuition and Expenses

Cost of Attendance
$33,912
Tuition and Fees
$19,890
Room and Board
$7,900
Books and Supplies
$1,258
Other Expenses
$4,714
Payment Plans
Installment plan

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

Email
Web Site
Financial Aid Web Site
Net Price Calculator URL
Net Price Calculator URL

Application Process

Application Deadline
Priority deadline March 15
Award Notification
On a rolling basis beginning April 1
Methodology for Awarding Institutional Aid
Federal Methodology
Forms Required Cost to File
FAFSA
Code is 003430		 Free

Profile of 2018 - 19 Financial Aid

Freshman

Financial Aid Applicants
240 (92.0%) of freshmen
Found to Have Financial Need
199 (82.9%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
199 (100.0%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
142 (71.4%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
82%
Average Award
$21,723
Need-Based Gift
Received by 195 (98.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $8,309
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 141 (70.9%) of aid recipients, average amount $4,015
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 131 (65.8%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
52 (19.9%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $9,656

All Undergraduates

Financial Aid Applicants
794 (88.9%) of undergraduates
Found to Have Financial Need
698 (87.9%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
695 (99.6%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
310 (44.6%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
70%
Average Award
$20,052
Need-Based Gift
Received by 669 (96.3%) of aid recipients, average amount $8,495
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 548 (78.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $4,455
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 262 (37.7%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
152 (17.0%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $7,775

Borrowing

2018 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
87%
Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
$25,333
Parents of Students Receiving Aid
9.0%
Parents of Students Not Receiving Aid
9.0%

Financial Aid Programs

Loans

Federal Loans
Federal Perkins loans
State Loans
Available
Other Loans
South Carolina Teacher Loans, United Methodist Student Loans

Scholarships and Grants

Need-Based Available
Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships
Non-Need–Based Available
Academic scholarships, Creative arts/performance scholarships, Special achievements/activities, Special characteristics (minority, religious affiliation, other scholarships)

Non-Need Awards

Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
Biological Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, English, Foreign Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Religion/Biblical Studies
Number of Awards
736
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
Applied Art and Design, Art/Fine Arts, Dance, Music
Number of Awards
108
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
Leadership
Number of Awards
199
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Characteristics Award Areas
Children of Faculty/Staff, Relatives of Clergy
Number of Awards
22
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 

Employment

Work-Study Programs
Federal work study available, other work study available
Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
$1,000
Academic Calendar System
Semester
Summer Session
Offered
General Catalog/Bulletin
Online Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Majors

  • Accounting
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
  • Chemistry, General
  • Community Organization and Advocacy
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
  • Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management
  • Dance, General
  • Drama and Dance Teacher Education
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching
  • Education, General
  • Elementary Education and Teaching
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Fine/Studio Arts, General
  • Fire Science/Fire-fighting
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Hospitality Administration/Management, General
  • Human Development and Family Studies, General
  • International Business/Trade/Commerce
  • Journalism, Other
  • Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
  • Mathematics, General
  • Music, General
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Psychology, General
  • Public Health Education and Promotion
  • Public Health, General
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Social Work
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  • Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
Most Popular Disciplines
Homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, and protective services, Communication/journalism, Education
Combined Liberal Arts/Professional Degree Programs
None
Special Programs
Student-designed major, Distance learning, Double major, Honors program, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad, Summer session
Study Abroad
Offered
Online Degrees
Some online degree programs

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

General Education/Core Curriculum
Required for most or all students
Computer
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Foreign Language
Required
Math/Science
Required for all students

Faculty and Instruction

Full-Time Faculty
55
Part-Time Faculty
54
Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
38%
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 28% of classes
10-19 students: 47% of classes
20-29 students: 24% of classes
30-39 students: 1% of classes
Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
Not reported

Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate
Not accepted
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Accepted for placement and credit
Sophomore Standing
Available through AP examinations

Academic Resources

Library Available on Campus
Yes
Holdings
128,486
Computer Ownership
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Computers Available on Campus
165
Internet/E-mail Access
Not reported

Academic Support Services

Remedial Instruction
Offered
Tutoring
Available
Services for Learning Disabled Students
Available
Services for Physically Disabled Students
Wheelchair access

Graduate/Professional School Education

Master's Degrees Offered

Master of Education, Master of Arts

Master's Programs of Study

  • Education--General
  • Educational Leadership and Administration
  • Elementary Education
  • Higher Education
  • Organizational Management

Doctoral Degrees Offered

Not reported

Doctoral Programs of Study

  • Not reported

Location and Setting

Columbia Population
133,358
Nearest Metropolitan Area
Campus Size
59 acres

Weather

Temperature
32.1 average low in January, 88.8 average high in September
Rain
110 rainy days per year

Getting Around

Campus Map
Map
Nearest Bus Station
Columbia
Nearest Train Station
Columbia

Housing

College Housing
College offers housing to students
Types of Housing
Women only housing
Students in College Housing
29% of all students
Housing Requirements
Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
49%
Off-Campus Housing Assistance
 

Security

24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
Available
24-Hour Security Patrols
Available
Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
Available
Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
Available
Other
 

Personal Support Services

Health Service
Offered
Personal Counseling
Offered
Child Care
Not offered

Sports and Recreation

Intercollegiate Athletics

Athletic Conferences
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Mascot
Koalas
School Colors
Purple and white

Intercollegiate Sports Offered

Sports Women Men
Offered Scholarships Offered Scholarships
Basketball x x    
Cross-Country Running x x    
Golf x x    
Lacrosse x x    
Soccer x x    
Softball x x    
Swimming And Diving x x    
Tennis x x    
Track And Field x x    
Volleyball x x    
Women's Sports Offered Scholarships
Basketball x x
Cross-Country Running x x
Golf x x
Lacrosse x x
Soccer x x
Softball x x
Swimming And Diving x x
Tennis x x
Track And Field x x
Volleyball x x
Mens's Sports Offered Scholarships
Basketball    
Cross-Country Running    
Golf    
Lacrosse    
Soccer    
Softball    
Swimming And Diving    
Tennis    
Track And Field    
Volleyball    
Women's Club Sports
 
Men's Club Sports
 

Recreational Sports

Intramural Sports
 

Student Activities

Activities and Organizations
choral groups, drama theatre, student newspaper
Sororities
 
Fraternities
 
ROTC
Army ROTC is offered off campus

Student Body

Coeducational
Mostly women
All Undergraduates
1,379
Women
1,025 (74.3%)
Men
354 (25.7%)
Full-Time Undergraduates
802
Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.8% American Indian/Alaskan Native
0.7% Asian
34.0% Black/African-American
3.7% Hispanic/Latino
3.3% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
56.1% White
1.3% Unknown
International Students.
3.1% from 21 countries
Average Age
29
All Graduate Students
134

Undergraduate Retention and Graduation

First-Year Students Returning
71.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
45.6%
Students Graduating Within 5 Years
49.2%
Students Graduating Within 6 Years
49.0%

After Graduation

Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
93%
Average Starting Salary
93%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
Not reported
Disciplines Pursued
Not reported

A portion of the College Profile data is provided under license by:
Peterson's Undergraduate and Undergraduate Financial Aid Databases, copyright © 2020 Peterson's, a Nelnet company. All rights reserved.