Columbia College is authorized, exempt, certified, registered or not required to seek approval in all states to offer programs. For specific details related to catalog addendums, disclaimers and agency contact information, please visit: https://web.ccis.edu/offices/institutionaleffectiveness.aspx.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative to provide more access to online courses while maintaining compliance standards with state regulatory agencies. SARA allows institutions to provide online courses outside of their own state borders by seeking and maintaining state approvals via a streamlined process. To learn more about SARA, please visit: http://nc-sara.org/.
On November 16, 2014, the State of Missouri was approved by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. On February 26, 2015, Columbia College was approved for institutional participation by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Current authorized SARA member states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
States will continue to join SARA. Please visit the State Regulatory Information and Complaint Process website for a current list: http://web.ccis.edu/home/offices/institutionaleffectiveness/approvals-by-st.aspx.
Alabama
The Redstone Arsenal location is authorized by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?Redstone. Columbia College is also authorized by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to offer distance education programs in Alabama.
The Redstone Arsenal location is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website: www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?Redstone.
Columbia College’s Online Education is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website: http://www.ccis.edu/online/academics/departments.asp.
Nursing: State approval of a program to offer Alabama licensed nurses opportunities for advanced degrees does not indicate eligibility for approval to practice as an advanced practice nurse in Alabama. Applicants for approval in Alabama are required to meet the Alabama requirements for national certification, graduation from a specific-type program for the advanced practice approval, and completion of the appropriate application. Any program offering a pre-licensure track to Alabama students shall meet the requirements of the Alabama regulations for pre-licensure programs or the graduates may not be eligible to take the national licensure examination required by the Alabama Board of Nursing to enter practice. www.abn.alabama.gov
Educator Preparation programs: State authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama certificate. Applicants who complete an educator preparation program at an institution outside of Alabama must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at www.alsde.edu.
A list of current faculty can be obtained at the local location.
Tuition Rate: Please refer to http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?Redstone.
Electronic Catalog Addendums:
Alabama Online Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Alabama Redstone Arsenal AL Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
California
Columbia College has been granted approval to operate under the terms of California Education Code (CEC) section 94890(a)(1).
“The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Find (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency program attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The school closed before the course of instruction was completed.
- The school’s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school.
- The school’s failure to pay refunds or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs.
- There was a material failure to comply with the Act or this Division within 30 days before the school closed or, if the material failure began earlier than 30 days prior to the closure, the period determined by the Bureau.
- An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove, and collect on a judgment against the institution for a violations of the Act.”
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a tax payer identification number.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 94803, 94877, and 94923, Education Code. Reference Section 94923, Education Code.
Questions regarding STRF may be directed to the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, 916-431-6959.
Electronic Catalog Addendum:
California Catalog Addendum
NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND
CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION
“The transferability of credits you earn at Columbia College is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree or certificate you earn in is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits, degree, or certificate that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Columbia College to determine if your credits, degree, or certificate will transfer.”
“As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.”
“If the student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student is eligible for a loan guaranteed by the federal or state government and the student defaults on the loan, both of the following may occur:
- The federal or state government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any income tax refund to which the person is entitled to reduce the balance owed on the loan and
- The student may not be eligible for any other government financial assistance at another institution until the loan is repaid.
Columbia College advises students to take advantage of the financial aid counseling available on the college website before accepting any student loans.”
Complaint Process:
“Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at P.O. Box 980818, Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, http://www.bppe.ca.gov, 916-431-6959 and 916-263-1897.”
“A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling 888-370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s Internet website (http://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint.shtml).”
Student Consumer Information:
The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), requires Columbia College to provide information to enrolled students, prospective students and their parents or guardians. Please select the following link to access the Student Consumer Information website: https://web.ccis.edu/offices/institutionaleffectiveness.aspx.
Colorado
Columbia College is authorized for operation as a postsecondary institution in Colorado under §23-2-101, et seq., C.R.S. by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Colorado was approved as a SARA member state on May 13, 2014. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the State of Colorado.
Complaint Process:
Columbia College’s primary objective is to help students meet their educational goals through a positive and rigorous academic experience. In those instances where a student has a concern, the College’s administrative procedures should be followed in order to address the concerns or complaints, in a timely and effective manner. The College is committed to its students and would like to know about student concerns. Students may voice concerns through normal administrative procedures, which include meeting with his or her academic advisor, location director, faculty member, or through a more formal process of grievance as outlined in the College’s catalog.
On occasion, a student may believe that these administrative procedures have not adequately addressed their concerns and or circumstances related to alleged violations of state consumer protection laws, that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising; alleged violations of state laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and complaints relating to the quality of education or other state accreditation requirements.
Contact information is provided below for students who wish to address their concerns to the appropriate agency.
The Colorado Department of Higher Education’s complaint policy is available at: http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Complaints/.
The Higher Learning Commission Complaint Process is available at: https://www.hlcommission.org/HLC-Institutions/complaints.html.
District of Columbia
Columbia College is approved for conditional exemption to offer internship experiences in Washington, DC by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission.
District of Columbia was approved as a SARA member state on July 1, 2016. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the District of Columbia.
Florida
Columbia College has been granted a license by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Students who attend colleges that are not accredited may be unable to sit for professional exams, be eligible for financial aid, and have difficulty in transferring college credits.
Additional information about Columbia College can be obtained from:
Commission for Independent Education
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Telephone (888) 224-6684.
Students may view the latest Columbia College information, including policies, on the Columbia College website at www.ccis.edu.
While Columbia College offers placement assistance to all graduates, employment upon completion of program(s) is not guaranteed.
Unresolved conflict should be submitted to the Higher Learning Commission or the Commission for Independent Education.
A list of current faculty can be obtained at the local locations.
The Orlando location is authorized by the Florida Department of Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?Orlando.
The Jacksonville location is authorized by the Florida Department of Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?Jacksonville.
The NAS Jacksonville location is authorized by the Florida Department of Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?NASJacksonville.
The Patrick AFB location is authorized by the Florida Department of Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?PAFB.
Tuition Rate: Please refer to
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?Orlando
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?nasjacksonville
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?PAFB
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?Jacksonville
Electronic Catalog Addendums:
Orlando FL Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
NAS Jacksonville FL Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Patrick AFB FL Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Jacksonville FL Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Georgia
Columbia College is authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission.
Grievance Policy Addendum: If, after thoroughly following the internal grievance appeal procedures of Columbia College, a student wishes to seek further review an appeal may be made to:
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305
Phone: (770) 414-3300
A list of current faculty can be obtained at the local locations.
Tuition Rate: Please refer to
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?FtStewart
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?Hunter
Electronic Catalog Addendum:
Georgia Campuses Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Georgia Online Catalog Addendum
Hawaii
Columbia College has been approved to operate as a post-secondary degree-granting educational institution in the State of Hawaii by Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).
Hawaii was approved as a SARA member state on May 17, 2016. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the State of Hawaii.
Student Complaint Process:
Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program:
http://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/student-complaint-process/.
Illinois
The Lake County location is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?LakeCounty.
The Crystal Lake location is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?CrystalLake.
The Freeport location is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?Freeport.
The Elgin location is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website at http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/academics/degreeprograms.asp?Elgin.
Illinois was approved as a SARA member state on July 31, 2015. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the State of Illinois.
New York
Columbia College is an out-of-state institution in New York offering education programs on federal property at Hancock Field and Fort Drum. The college is not authorized to conduct physical instruction in New York State other than on federal property and via distance education. Columbia College’s Hancock Field and Fort Drum locations are located on federal property.
Columbia College New York locations have been approved by the State of New York Division of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Veterans Education to train veterans and other eligible persons under the benefits of Title 38, United States Code (38 U.S.C. 3671 [a] and 3672 [a]).
Oklahoma
Columbia College complies with Title 70 O.S. 4103 and may operate educational programs beyond secondary education in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma was approved as a SARA member state on June 29, 2015. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the State of Oklahoma.
Columbia College-Fort Sill has been approved by the State of Oklahoma Division of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Veterans Education to train veterans and other eligible persons under the benefits of Title 38, United States Code (38 U.S.C. 3671 [a] and 3672 [a]).
Pennsylvania
Columbia College is currently registered in the State of Pennsylvania as an out-of-state distance education provider.
South Carolina
Columbia College is considered exempt by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
South Carolina was approved as a SARA member state on June 10, 2016. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the State of South Carolina.
The Columbia College of Missouri-Joint Base Charleston Weapons Station location has been approved by South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to train veterans and other eligible persons under the benefits of Title 38, United States Code (38 U.S.C. 3671 [a] and 3672 [a]).
Texas
Texas Workforce Commission:
Columbia College has been granted exemption under Texas Education Code, Section 132.002(a)(6) as a private institution.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board:
Columbia College has demonstrated that it meets the standards set forth in the rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and qualifies for an exemption pursuant to Subchapter G, Chapter 61, Texas Education Code and, as defined in Chapter 7.3 of Board rules from certain, but not all, regulations. This exemption will continue as long as Columbia College maintains its accreditation status with the Accrediting Organization the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and standards acceptable to the Coordinating Board. Columbia College is authorized to conduct courses, grant degrees, grant credit toward degrees, and to use certain protected academic terms in the State of Texas until the expiration of its current grant of accreditation.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Student Complaint Policy: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=C9BD55D4-C5A3-4BC6-9A0DF17F467F4AE9
Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 1.110-1.120: http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=19&pt=1&ch=1&sch=E&rl=Y
Columbia College-Fort Worth is considered exempt by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Texas was approved as a SARA member state on November 2, 2015. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs.
Columbia College Texas locations have been approved by the State of Texas Division of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Veterans Education to train veterans and other eligible persons under the benefits of Title 38, United States Code (38 U.S.C. 3671 [a] and 3672 [a]).
Utah
Columbia College is currently authorized under the Utah Code Ann. §13-34a-203 as a postsecondary school required under 34 C.F.R 600.9 by the State of Utah.
Washington
Columbia College is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Columbia College to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Washington Student Achievement Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.
Washington was approved as a SARA member state on May 13, 2014. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the State of Washington.
Master of Arts in Teaching: “Eligibility for initial educator certification in Washington is based on completion of a state approved educator preparation program. This program is approved in Missouri. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information. Educators are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.” - Washington Student Achievement Council
Master of Education in Educational Leadership: “Eligibility for initial educator certification in Washington is based on completion of a state approved educator preparation program. This program is approved in Missouri. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information. Educators are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.” - Washington Student Achievement Council
A list of current faculty can be obtained at the local locations.
Tuition Rate: Please refer to
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?Marysville
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/admissions/Fees.asp?Whidbey
Electronic Catalog Addendums:
Marysville WA Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Whidbey Island WA Undergraduate Catalog Addendum
Columbia College Washington locations have been approved by the Washington Student Achievement Council, State Approving Agency for Veteran’s Education & Training to train veterans and other eligible persons under the provision of Section 3675, Chapter 36, Title 39, U.S. Code.
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