Columbia State Community College

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Associate's — Public Rural-serving Medium

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Associate's degree
Calendar System	Semester
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

Columbia State Community College Introduction

Columbia State Community College was established in 1966 in Columbia, Tennessee as the state’s first community college. It currently hosts approximately 4,500 part- and full-time students, and around 250 faculty members. Students who successfully complete their two-year education in one of the programs offered by Columbia State are awarded an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree. Students interested in continuing on to pursue a four-year Bachelor’s or a Master’s program have the option of doing so at one of Columbia’s affiliate schools, which include Austin Peay State University, Athens State University, Tennessee State University, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Middle Tennessee State University. Common continuation programs include Professional Studies, Business Administration, Nursing, Educational Administration, Interdisciplinary Studies, Math, and Management and Human Relations.

Columbia State Community College Academics

Columbia State offers degrees in a wide variety of subjects and concentrations; these include Humanities, Science and Math, Business and Technology, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences and Education. More specific courses of study popular among students are Biology, Business, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Technology, English, Foreign Languages, Health and Physical Education, Mass Communication, Nursing, Physical Education, Physics, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, and Veterinary Technology.

Columbia State Community College Admissions

The admissions process at Columbia State remains primarily the same regardless of the student’s proposed field of study, although specific prerequisites and placement exams may be required for specific programs. All new students must fill out the application, either online or on paper, and pay the one-time $10 fee. High school, college, and/or GED transcripts must be sent to the office of admissions. ACT or SAT scores must be sent in for students applying to the Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, or Nursing programs, as well as for students under the age of 21. Applicants must also supply proof that the vaccination requirement has been met.

Columbia State Community College Financial Aid

Students at Columbia State benefit from several types of financial aid programs; these include work-study, scholarships, loans, and grants. Work-study is an option which allows students the possibility to work in either on- or off-campus positions, often in their department, to help defray the cost of attendance. Scholarships are generally earned by students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in academics, outstanding financial need, school/athletics participation, and community involvement. Loans must be repaid, and are often available from federally-funded sources, such as the low-interest Federal Stafford Loan. Grants, like scholarships, do not need to be repaid, and are often awarded based on exceptional merit or need.

Columbia State Community College Students

As a member of the NJCAA, Columbia State students have the option of participating in the school’s strong athletic program, which includes softball, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. Other popular extracurricular activities at the school include Circle K, North American Veterinary Technician Association, Charger Student Radiographer Organization, Phi Theta Kappy, Student Nursing Association, and Student Government Association.

Columbia State Community College Athletics

The Columbia State Chargers are nationally and regionally ranked as top sports teams; these include men’s and women’s basketball, softball, and baseball. Columbia State is a member of NJCCAA, as well as the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association (TJCCAA). The Columbia campus notably holds a rare historical archive, the TJCCAA Hall of Fame. It is located in the Kermit Smith room at the Billy Webster Athletic Center. Each year, one person is selected to join the ranks of some of the top athletes in the Hall of Fame.

Columbia State Community College Local Community

Locals of Columbia, Tennessee are very proud of their Southern heritage. Numerous local landmarks dating back centuries dot the landscape of this small town, whose population was approximately 34,000 at the 2008 census. Famous residents of the city include several NASCAR drivers and major league baseball players, as well as the eleventh President of the United States of America, James K. Polk. The local newspaper, the Columbia Daily Herald, chronicles the daily events of this friendly city. Visitors to this city, which lies approximately 45 miles south of Nashville, come from all over to enjoy the city’s famous Mule Day Parade. One of the most notable occurrences in Columbia, Mule Day happens over the course of a week in April, and is dedicated to honoring an integral aid in the settlement of the community. Visitors also enjoy touring the city’s historic homes, among which include the grounds of the historic James K. Polk home. Other popular activities here include shopping for antiques, watching sports, and dining in one of the town’s fine establishments serving famous Southern cooking.