Columbia College

What is the cost of studying for a year at Columbia College?

For 2024-25, reported full-time undergraduate tuition was $19,276, with $778 in required fees, for a combined $20,054 before living and other expenses. The reported undergraduate tuition and fees were the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Rates for graduate, part-time, and particular programs can differ.

• Full-time undergraduate tuition and required fees, 2024-25: $20,054.
• Typical room and board charge: $10,330 for the academic year.
• Reported books and supplies estimate: $1,200.

Adding those three reported categories gives $31,584, but that is not a complete cost-of-attendance estimate: transportation, personal spending, and other applicable expenses are not included. Commuters will have a different housing budget, while students living on campus should check the charges for their particular room and meal plan.

Published charges are also different from net price after grants and scholarships. The reported average net price for students from families with annual income of $48,000 or less was $17,017; an individual offer may be higher or lower. In 2024-25, 98% of students received financial aid and 65% had student loans. Eligible students may be able to combine federal aid, South Carolina programs, and institutional assistance, but should compare aid offers by separating grants from loans and checking whether awards renew.

What are the work-study opportunities at Columbia College?

Students seeking paid work should distinguish Federal Work-Study from other campus or off-campus jobs. Federal Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program: an award makes a student eligible to earn wages through qualifying employment, but it is not an upfront grant or a guarantee of a position.

Interested students should complete the FAFSA, review their aid offer, and ask the financial aid office how eligible students find and apply for available jobs. A part-time job outside Federal Work-Study may have different hiring and pay arrangements. Students looking primarily for experience in a particular profession can also use the college's career counseling, résumé assistance, employer events, and job-search resources to explore internships or other work.