Mar 19, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2018-2019 
    
Graduate Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

State Regulatory Information and Complaint Process



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: http://www.ccis.edu/offices/institutionalcompliance/approvals-by-st.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, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

States will continue to join SARA. Please visit the State Regulatory Information and Complaint Process website for a current list: http://www.ccis.edu/offices/institutionalcompliance/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/redstone.aspx. 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 Community College System to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website: http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/redstone.aspx.

Columbia College’s Online Education is licensed by the Alabama Community College System to offer degree programs listed on Columbia College’s website: http://www.ccis.edu/online.aspx.

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 for Alabama location and online, please refer to http://www.ccis.edu/graduate/admissions/tuition.aspx.

Electronic Catalog Addendums:

Alabama Online Graduate Catalog Addendum

Alabama Redstone Arsenal AL Graduate Addendum

Arizona

Prior to enrollment for any course of instruction at the Columbia College locations in the state of Arizona, students should be made aware of and understand the following:

AUTHORIZATION

Columbia College is authorized by the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education

ACCREDITATION

Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

If the student complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the Institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education. The student must contact the State Board for further details. The state Board address is:

Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education
1740 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 542-5709
Fax: (602) 542-1253
Website: www.azppse.gov

California

Columbia College has been granted approval to operate under the terms of California Education Code (CEC) section 94890(a)(1).

76215. Student Tuition Recovery Fund Disclosures

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 94803, 94877 and 94923, Education Code. Reference: Section 94923, Education Code

Questions regarding the 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 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 the educational program 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, and that, if the student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal aid funds. 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.”

Housing Statement:

Columbia College does not have housing at the locations in California. Please refer to the California Catalog Addendum for approximate off site housing costs per location.

Distance Education Instructor Grading and Response Expectations:

a. Teach and facilitate the course by

  1. responding to all student communication within 48 hours;
  2. logging into the course within the first 3 days of the session;
  3. logging into the course at least 3 days a week, with no period of absence of 72 hours or longer;
  4. posting substantive responses in graded discussions at least 3 times per week;
  5. notifying the Online Education office and students in the case of an emergency that might prevent them from meeting these participation requirements;

b. Assess student learning by

  1. assigning grades that accurately reflect the standards set out in the syllabus and/or grading rubrics;
  2. providing substantial feedback in a timely manner (within 72 hours for shorter assignments and within 6 days for longer assignments) to each student in the course for assignments that contribute to the final grade of the course;
  3. keeping the LMS gradebook current and include zeroes for work not submitted;
  4. completing required course assessment activities related to college-wide assessment.

Agency Contact Information:

Mailing Address:
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

Physical Address:
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95833

Phone: (916) 431-6959
Toll Free: (888) 370-7589
Main Fax: (916) 263-1897
Licensing Fax: (916) 263-1894
Enforcement/STRF/Closed Schools Fax: (916) 263-1896

Web site: www.bppe.ca.gov

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.”

Registered Agent Service:

Northwest Registered Agent, Inc., (#C3184722) 1267 Willis St. Suite 200, Redding, CA 96001

The institution does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding fives years, and has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sec. 11101 et seq.)

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: http://www.ccis.edu/offices/institutionalcompliance/consumerinformation.aspx

Schedule of Charges:

Coast Guard Island | Lemoore | Los Alamitos | San Diego | San Luis Obispo

  • One semester full-time student’s schedule of total charges for certificate program is $3,000 - $3,660 and the estimated schedule for total charges for the entire educational certificate program is $3,750- $4,575.
  • One semester full-time student’s schedule of total charges for associate program is $3000 - $3,660 and the estimated schedule for total charges for the entire educational associate program is $15,000 - $18,300.
  • One semester full-time student’s schedule of total charge for bachelor program is $3,000 - $3,660 and the estimated schedule for total charges for the entire educational bachelor program is $30,000 - $36,600.
  • One semester full-time student’s schedule of total charge for master program online is $4,980 and the estimated schedule for total charges and the estimated schedule for total charges for the entire educational master program is $14,490.

 Price Calculator available at: http://www.ccis.edu/offices/financialaid/net-price-calculators.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, campus 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: http://www.hlcommission.org/HLC-Institutions/complaints.html.

District of Columbia

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.

Florida was approved as a SARA member state on October 1, 2017. Columbia College was approved as a SARA institution on February 26, 2015 and can offer distance education programs to students in the state of Florida.

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/orlando.aspx.

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/jacksonville.aspx.

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/nasjacksonville.aspx.

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/pafb.aspx.

Tuition rate for Florida locations and online, please refer to http://www.ccis.edu/graduate/admissions/tuition.aspx

Electronic Catalog Addendums:

Orlando FL Graduate 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 the address below or at: http://gnpec.org/consumer-resources/gnpec-authorized-school-complainant-form/.

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 for Georgia locations and online, please refer to http://www.ccis.edu/graduate/admissions/tuition.aspx

Electronic 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/lakecounty.aspx.

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/crystallake.aspx.

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/freeport.aspx.

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/elgin.aspx.

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. Columbia College’s Hancock Field and Fort Drum locations are located on federal property.

New York was approved as a SARA member state on December 9, 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 New York.

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 Oklahoma State Approving Agency 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.

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/

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. 

Utah was approved as a SARA member state on August 25, 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 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 https://www.pesb.wa.gov/educator-pathways/becoming-a-washington-educator/ 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 https://www.pesb.wa.gov/educator-pathways/becoming-a-washington-educator/ 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 for Washington locations and online, please refer to: http://www.ccis.edu/graduate/admissions/tuition.aspx

Electronic Catalog Addendums:

Marysville, WA Graduate 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.