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Columbus State Community College

#2126 in US ranking Columbus, OH
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Columbus State Community College award

Cost

Cost / year
$13,493
Tuition & fees
$5,788
Avg. aid
$4,986
Receiving aid
81%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
28%
Median salary
$46,157
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Columbus State Community College?

Columbus State Community College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation applies to the college as a whole; it is distinct from any additional approval or accreditation that a specific professional program may need.

This distinction is especially important in fields such as nursing and dental hygiene, where program-level accreditation and state licensing rules can affect eligibility for professional examinations or employment. A student considering a regulated profession should check the current status of the exact program and credential, as well as the rules in the state where they intend to work.

Institutional accreditation is relevant to eligibility for federal student aid, but it does not guarantee that another college will accept a particular course in transfer. The receiving institution decides how transferred credits apply to its degree requirements.

What are the admission requirements at Columbus State Community College?

Columbus State has an open-admission policy for general college entry. Applicants typically begin with the college application and complete enrollment steps such as submitting applicable academic records, establishing residency, and determining appropriate course placement.

Students seeking a degree should be prepared to document high school completion or an equivalent credential, such as a GED. Standard college admission should not be confused with admission to a selective program: health-related and other specialized programs may require prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, testing, or additional documentation before a student can begin program-specific classes.

SAT or ACT scores should not be assumed to be a general admissions requirement. Likewise, an applicant should not assume that a high school GPA, essay, or recommendation is required for every program simply because another college uses one. International applicants may face separate documentation and English-proficiency requirements. Since course registration, financial aid, and selective-program applications can have different deadlines, applicants should check the dates for their intended term and program.

What are the application fees and waivers at Columbus State Community College?

A $50 application fee appears in reported admissions information for Columbus State, but applicants should check the current application instructions before budgeting for it. The amount charged can depend on the application route or applicant category, and a historical reported fee should not be treated as confirmation of the charge shown at submission.

If the application displays a fee, an applicant who may qualify for a waiver should ask admissions about eligibility and the required request process before paying. Application fees are separate from tuition, course-related charges, and any later enrollment expenses.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Columbus State Community College?

Army ROTC participation is reported through a cooperating host institution rather than a Columbus State unit operated independently on campus. A student interested in this route should confirm the current cross-enrollment arrangement, which courses are available, and whether travel to the host campus is required.

ROTC participation, scholarship eligibility, and a military service obligation are separate questions. Requirements can depend on citizenship, academic standing, physical standards, and the point at which a student contracts with the military. Students planning to transfer for a bachelor's degree should also ask how ROTC coursework and the intended transfer timeline fit together.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Columbus State Community College?

Columbus State generally accepts transfer credit from accredited institutions, but admission to the college and acceptance of individual credits are separate decisions. Transfer applicants should apply for their intended term and arrange for official transcripts from every college previously attended.

Reported enrollment options include fall, spring, and summer starts. After transcripts arrive, the college evaluates coursework for possible credit; a course may transfer without fulfilling a requirement in a student's chosen program. Prior learning can also be relevant: Columbus State reports accepting certain Advanced Placement, CLEP, DSST, and ACE-recommended credit, subject to its evaluation rules.

For students transferring out of Columbus State, Ohio's transfer pathways and institution-specific agreements may help with planning, but they do not replace an evaluation by the receiving university. Before registering for a sequence of courses, students can compare the requirements of both institutions and request an official transfer-credit evaluation and degree plan. Selective majors may impose their own GPA, prerequisite, or application requirements.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Columbus State Community College?

Students interested in studying internationally should look for Columbus State's current global-learning and study-abroad offerings rather than assume that a semester-long exchange is available for every major. Opportunities at a community college may include shorter, faculty-led experiences as well as other approved international learning options.

Before committing to a program, students need to establish whether it carries Columbus State credit, how the courses apply to their degree, and what travel, passport, insurance, and program charges they would pay. Financial aid treatment depends on the program and the student's eligibility; approval should be settled before travel arrangements become nonrefundable.

How to Apply to Columbus State Community College

Regular application deadline

August 21

Application fee

$50

Early Decision

No

Early Action

No

Columbus State Community College First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 4,239
Out-of-state: 27
International: 158

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 4,431
Transfer: 1,536

Columbus State Community College Admission Requirements

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Open admission policy

Yes

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

No

Columbus State Community College Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.