Campus Identity
Columbia College is a small private nonprofit university in Columbia, SC. Approximately 1,343 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. Lake Murray is about 12 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 55/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Columbia College is a small private nonprofit university in Columbia, SC. Approximately 1,343 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. Lake Murray is about 12 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 55/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Columbia College is a 1,000–4,999, urban school with NAIA athletics. The campus is 137 miles from Sapphire Valley Ski Area.
Athletics
NAIA
AAC
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Urban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
61°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Columbia College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Sapphire Valley Ski Area, 137 miles away with 3 lifts and 8 skiable acres. All are within 151 miles of campus.
North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina
Nearby Lake
Lake Murray is 12 miles from campus, giving Columbia College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Murray
Lake access within 11.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Columbia, SC
Columbia has a warm climate, with winters averaging 48°F in Jan and summers peaking around 84°F in Jul.
Station: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY OF SC · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Columbia College in SC earns a composite safety score of 55/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $22,214 |
| Fees | $800 |
| Room & Board | $9,390 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $32,404 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
65 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Columbia College located?
Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC. The main campus address is 1301 Columbia College Dr, Columbia, SC. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia College?
Columbia College has an acceptance rate of 94%, making it accessible. Out of 2,634 applicants, 2,474 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,343 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend Columbia College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Columbia College charges $22,214/year in tuition. Including room and board ($9,390/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $20,880/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,408/year — what students actually pay. Use Columbia College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does Columbia College have college sports?
Yes — Columbia College competes at the NAIA level in the AAC. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Columbia College the right fit for me?
Whether Columbia College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (94% admit rate), avg net price ($18,408/year after aid), campus culture in Columbia, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Columbia College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Columbia College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Columbia, SC
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates
- NCAA
- NAIA
- Conference
- AAC
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 61°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 55/100
- Nearest Airport
- Columbia, SC (CUB) · 6 mialso CAE (9 mi), MMT (16 mi)
Location
Columbia, SC