About

About Columbia College

open access admissionshealth sciences focussmall class sizesmasters level programssouth carolina private college

Columbia College is a private university in Columbia, SC, known for its open access admissions, health sciences focus, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 98%, Columbia College is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 190 students each year. Columbia College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 850–1140, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Columbia College offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $16,094 per year; the sticker price of $33,136 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Columbia College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

98%
Overall Accept Rate
995
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 850 – 1140 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Columbia College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Columbia College is a women's college with a strong mission around leadership and service, so your application materials should reflect why that single-gender environment appeals to you specifically. Mention any leadership roles, service projects, or goals that align with the college's focus on empowering women.
Demonstrated Interest
Columbia College is a small campus in Columbia, SC, and connecting with admissions directly through a campus tour or an open house day can help you build a genuine relationship with the staff who will review your file. Even a virtual information session or a personal email to your admissions counselor signals that you have done your research on the college.

Get a tailored strategy for Columbia College. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Columbia College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$33k/yr$17.5k
30k-48k~$33k/yr$17.0k
48k-75k~$33k/yr$16.8k
75k-110k~$33k/yr$22.9k
110k+~$33k/yr$20.4k

Not sure what Columbia College would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Columbia College and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Columbia College's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

54%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$46k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,009
Undergrad Enrollment
Columbia College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch