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Columbia College

1301 Columbia College Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, USA

Columbia College award
Columbia College award
US ranking
position: 16
Tuition & fees per year: $24,436
Acceptance rate: 96.00%
Median alumni salary: $42,036
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does Columbia College offer in terms of athletics?

Columbia College provides a range of athletic opportunities through its participation in intercollegiate sports, affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The college fields competitive teams for both men and women in various sports, emphasizing both team spirit and individual development.

The college's athletic program includes sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball, catering to a diverse group of student-athletes. Each team competes at a level designed to challenge participants while balancing academic priorities, creating an environment where students can excel both on the field and in the classroom.

In addition to varsity sports, Columbia College offers intramural activities and fitness resources to support the health and wellness of the wider student body. This allows students who may not participate in competitive athletics to engage in physical activity and campus recreation.

What student groups and Associations are available at Columbia College?

Columbia College offers a dynamic campus environment with active student participation in social organizations. Approximately 6% of the female student population is involved in these groups, reflecting opportunities for engagement beyond academics. The college's total enrollment includes 183 men and 724 women, highlighting a predominantly female student body. While detailed listings of specific clubs or associations are not available, prospective students can expect a community where student organizations play a role in campus life.

Who studies at Columbia College?

Columbia College enrolls a diverse student body with varying backgrounds and demographic characteristics. Among its undergraduate students, the majority fall within the traditional college-age range, especially those aged 18 to 21, with 280 students aged 18-19 and 277 aged 20-21. However, the institution also accommodates a significant number of older students, including 137 aged 25-29 and 136 aged 40-49, reflecting a broad age distribution.

The total student population includes 204 freshmen, which places Columbia College in the lower 35% percentile for freshman class size nationally, while transfer students number 275, situating the college in the bottom half compared to other institutions.

Regarding residency, in-state students constitute 79% of the population, a figure that ranks relatively well within the top third nationally. Out-of-state students make up 16%, which is comparatively low and falls into the bottom 35% percentile. The college attracts predominantly U. S. students, accounting for 95%, again situating it in the top third for domestic enrollment. International representation is minimal, with foreign students comprising 0% of the population, placing Columbia College in the lower 30% nationally.

Racial and ethnic diversity is moderate. African American students represent 467 individuals, and Hispanic students number 137, both figures placing the college in roughly the middle to lower half of national comparisons. White students number 475, which is on the lower end of the national percentile for this group. Other racial groups include Native American students at 13, Asian students at 29, and Pacific Islanders at 1, all within typical ranges. Students identifying as two or more races constitute only 6, a relatively low proportion. Additionally, 108 students have an unknown racial or ethnic classification, indicating some gaps in available demographic data.

How does student life look like at Columbia College?

Student life at Columbia College offers a variety of cultural and wellness activities that contribute to a supportive campus environment. The college supports a campus newspaper, drama productions, and a chorus group, providing creative outlets for students with interests in arts and media. However, there is no campus radio, band, or TV station available for student participation.

In terms of health and well-being resources, the college provides access to a health clinic and psychological counseling services, addressing essential student care needs. Veterans have dedicated support through a Veterans Affairs office, while a women's center is available to support female students on campus. Legal services are not offered on campus.

With an average total enrollment of approximately 1,572 students and a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, Columbia College fosters a learning community where students can engage closely with faculty.

As a member of the NAIA athletic association, Columbia College participates in collegiate athletics, which may appeal to students interested in competitive sports.

What libraries are available to students at Columbia College?

Columbia College offers students access to a single main library, the J. Edens Drake Library. While the institution does not have additional libraries, the main library provides a range of resources and facilities.

The library collection includes approximately 83,904 physical books, placing it in the lower 40th percentile nationally in terms of size. Students benefit from a diverse selection of digital materials as well, including 640,949 eBooks and 193,551 digital subscriptions, the latter ranking in the top half nationwide.

Library resources are supported by 128 databases and 235 total subscriptions to academic journals and other publications. The library is staffed by trained professionals to assist students during established operating hours totaling around 70 hours per week. Physical study rooms are available, though the library does not offer all-day access.

Additionally, Columbia College's library facilities include both physical collections and digital access, with the added option of shared collections to broaden resource availability beyond the campus holdings.

Columbia College Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

1572

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

193

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

183 full time, 134 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Columbia College Library Services and Resources

Main library name

J. Edens Drake Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Columbia College Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Columbia College Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Columbia College Location & Map

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