Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College Academics

Established in 1963, Columbus State Community College serves students in and around the Columbus, Ohio area, offering more than 50 associate’s degrees and professional and technical certificates. Areas of study include business, facility maintenance, health care, architecture, geographic information systems, fire science, nuclear medicine technology, public service, human service, respiratory care, veterinary technology, massage therapy, law enforcement, and engineering technologies.

In addition to associate’s degrees and certificate programs, Columbus State Community College also offers an array of programs designed to help students complete the first two years of an undergraduate degree, to be completed after transferring to a 4-year institution.

Columbus State Community College is accredited by a number of governing bodies, including the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission and the Academic Quality Improvement Plan. The school is also the largest provider of online and distance learning opportunities in the state of Ohio, with an average of more than 10,000 students enrolled in online courses in any given semester.

Columbus State Community College Admissions

Columbus State Community College offers an open enrollment policy designed to allow as many students as possible to attend college. In order to begin the enrollment process, school representatives suggest contacting an on-site admissions counselor to explain the requirements. Alternately, many steps of the application process are available online. Although the school works on a rolling deadline basis, deadlines do apply for enrollment in upcoming semesters and to achieve full consideration for financial aid, so school representatives encourage prospective students to check the school’s online admissions calendar for updated deadline information.

Documentation that is typically required or requested during the admissions process includes high school transcripts, proof of graduation or GED equivalency, and proof of citizenship, legal residence, or foreign student status. Some special programs, particularly those in the health and science fields, may require specific application procedures or prerequisites. After enrollment procedures have been completed, the school requires that prospective students undertake a number of placement tests and orientation events.

Columbus State Community College Financial Aid

Over half of all students at Columbus State Community College receive some form of financial aid, and the school is committed to helping as many students as possible make higher learning affordable. To this end, administrators have created a number of programs and initiatives designed to facilitate the financial aid process.

While Columbus State Community College offers rolling deadlines for most scholarships, loans, and other financial aid programs, students are advised to submit complete applications early in order to receive the most comprehensive package possible. Completion of the standard FAFSA form is a key component of the financial aid process, and the school offers frequent workshops designed to help walk students through the FAFSA form.

Common forms of financial aid disbursed at Columbus State Community College include state and federal grants, loans, work-study jobs, and need- and merit-based scholarships. Specific opportunities offered through the school include the Veterans Administration Dependent Scholarship, the Tech Prep and SUCCESS scholarship programs, and the Think Again program for returning, adult, and non-traditional students.

Columbus State Community College Students

With a very large student body that often exceeds 25,000 in total enrollment, Columbus State Community College offers its students a vibrant and active campus life. Over 60% of students attend the school full-time, and while the majority of enrolled students hail from Ohio, they represent a diverse cross-section of the community.

Located in an area of downtown Columbus known as the Discovery District, the campus is in close proximity to an array of entertainment and employment opportunities. In addition to the main downtown campus, Columbus State Community College operates 10 suburban branch campuses in operates 10 suburban centers in Delaware, Grove City, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Groveport, Plain City, Marysville, Southwest Columbus, and Westerville.

Popular student activities at Columbus State Community College include service clubs, cultural activities, language groups, honor societies, and sports. Student government activities are also a popular pastime on campus.

Columbus State Community College Athletics

Athletics are a popular campus activity at Columbus State Community College, and students’ free admission to all home games assures active and enthusiastic crowds at most events.

The Cougars participate in Division II of the NJCAA. Although several sports have recently been eliminated due to budgetary concerns, the school still fields four varsity teams in men’s and women’s basketball, golf, and volleyball. The school is also well-known in the region for its award-winning cheer squad.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Associate's — Public Urban-serving Single Campus

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Associate's degree
Calendar System	Quarter
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification