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UNITED STATES · COLUMBIA

Columbia College (SC)

private · Founded 1854 · Languages: en

In short

Columbia College (SC) is a private liberal arts college in Columbia, South Carolina, offering undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on personalized learning and career readiness. It provides a supportive community and makes private education accessible through scholarships and grants.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1854
Students: 1,800
International students: 80
Acceptance rate: 68%
Tuition (intl): €2–2k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Columbia, United States

Columbia College (SC) is a private liberal arts college in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1854. Committed to a holistic education rooted in Methodist values, the college focuses on developing students' intellect, integrity, and faith. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs both on-campus and online, emphasizing personalized learning through small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship. The college aims to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives, with over 97% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months. Columbia College fosters a strong, close-knit community where students are encouraged to engage in campus life, leadership opportunities, and service. The curriculum is designed to impart skills valued by employers, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the modern workforce. Located in the vibrant city of Columbia, the college provides a supportive environment with numerous student organizations, wellness programs, and residential options. It prides itself on making private education accessible through scholarships and grants, aligning quality education with affordability for its diverse student body.

Why study here

Receive a personalized education with small class sizes and dedicated faculty support.
Benefit from a strong focus on career readiness, with over 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months.
Join a close-knit community that emphasizes leadership, service, and social justice.
Access a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, online undergraduate, and graduate degrees.
Take advantage of a streamlined application process with no application fee or required test scores.
Explore scholarship opportunities designed to make private education more affordable.

Student life

Columbia College offers a vibrant student life focused on fostering a strong sense of community and personal growth. Living on campus provides easy access to friends, support, and campus activities, encouraging spontaneous fun, late-night study sessions, and lasting friendships. The college prioritizes student well-being, offering mental health counseling, life management support, fitness facilities, and various wellness programs to ensure students feel grounded and resilient. With over 40 student organizations, numerous leadership opportunities, and regular community gatherings, students have ample chances to explore their passions, discover new interests, and form meaningful connections. The campus culture emphasizes caring for each other and giving back to society, exemplified by its unique Koala mascot, symbolizing that every student is valued and unique. Students often describe the campus as a close-knit community where faculty and staff genuinely care about their well-being and success.

Fees

InternationalColumbia College SC's annual tuition is approximately $29,000 for all students. International students pay the same tuition rate as domestic students. Merit scholarships are available and can significantly reduce net cost; over 97% of students receive some form of financial assistance.

Home—

LivingFor the 2026-2027 academic year, all residential students must have a meal plan. The 19-per-week dining plan costs $2,656 per semester, while a 10-per-week dining plan (available to senior students who opt-in) costs $2,481 per semester. Total cost of attendance including room, board, and fees is approximately $46,000–50,000 per year.

Federal funding and scholarships are mentioned as ways to make college affordable. Students can add Koala Bucks (prepaid debit for dining) in increments of $50 and $100. Koala Bucks roll over from fall to spring but expire at the end of the spring semester.

Admissions

Application FeeNone

Test Scores (SAT/ACT)Not required

Admissions TypeRolling admissions

TOEFL iBT61 minimum

IELTS6.0 minimum

Duolingo95 minimum

Rankings

U.S. News & World ReportBest Regional University in the South

U.S. News & World ReportBest Regional University for Veterans

U.S. News & World ReportBest Value School in the South

U.S. News & World ReportTop Performer on Social Mobility in the South

U.S. News & World ReportBest Regional University for Ethnic Diversity

U.S. News & World ReportBest Regional University for Economic Diversity

University scholarships

Presidential Scholarship$10,000 (Residential) / $6,000 (Commuter)

1854 Scholarship$8,000 (Residential) / $4,500 (Commuter)

Columns Scholarship$6,000 (Residential) / $3,000 (Commuter)

Koala Scholarship$2,000 (Residential) / $1,000 (Commuter)

Athletic ScholarshipsVaries

Honors ScholarshipsVaries

Accreditation

Columbia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. Additionally, the college is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). The Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) at Columbia College is accredited through the State Board of Education under the guidance of the 2022 Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards. Teacher Education programs are recognized by agencies such as the Association for Childhood Education International, Association for Middle Level Education, Council for Exceptional Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association of Schools of Dance, National Council of Teachers of English, and the South Carolina State Department of Education. The Social Work program at Columbia College is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

The Applied Mathematics program at Columbia College equips you with essential analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex, real-world challenges. You will gain a strong foundation in core mathematical concepts including calculus, discrete mathematics, differential equations, linear algebra, and probability and statistics. The program emphasizes applying these concepts across various fields like computer science, business, and the natural sciences, fostering a focus on communication, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Bachelor's

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What is the tuition for international students at Columbia College (SC)?

International students at Columbia College (SC) pay the same annual tuition as domestic students, which is approximately $29,000. Merit scholarships are available and can significantly reduce the net cost.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

International students can demonstrate English proficiency through a TOEFL iBT score of 61, an IELTS score of 6.0, or a Duolingo score of 95. These scores meet the minimum requirements for admission.

Does Columbia College (SC) require standardized test scores for international applicants?

No, Columbia College (SC) does not require SAT or ACT test scores for admission. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible for all applicants.

What is the cost of living and meal plans for students at Columbia College (SC)?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, residential students must have a meal plan. The total estimated cost of attendance, including room, board, and fees, ranges from approximately $46,000 to $50,000 per year.

What are the career outcomes for Columbia College (SC) graduates?

Columbia College (SC) graduates have strong career outcomes, with over 97% finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The college focuses on preparing students for successful careers.

Last updated 3 July 2026