Admission Policies

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Columbia College enrolls students who have both the desire and ability to succeed in a rigorous teaching and learning environment. The College invites applications from students who have demonstrated they are likely to complete the College’s broad-based general education curriculum and to successfully complete an undergraduate major. Many factors are considered in the admission decision, but previous academic achievement is the best predictor of success at Columbia College.

Columbia College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law in the administration of its educational policies, admission, financial assistance, employment, educational programs or activities.  Columbia College reserves the right to deny or rescind admission at its sole discretion.  Please note that Columbia College reserves the right to use photographs of its students in publications & media that promote the college.  

By submitting an application, applicants are giving their express written consent for Columbia College to contact them regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text - including use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to the wireless number provided.  Message and data rates may apply.  This consent is not required to purchase goods or services, and applicants may always call us directly at 573-875-7515 or 877-999-9876.

Columbia College’s mission is to provide quality education in a variety of flexible formats to fit the needs of all of our students.  As such, by submitting an application, applicants understand their program may require a combination of in-seat and online coursework and may not be available at all locations.  

In compliance with the Clery Act, the College discloses crime statistics for crimes committed on campus, in certain off-campus buildings, or on property owned/controlled by the College during the last three years.  The Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report can be obtained in paper copy by contacting the Campus Safety Office and electronic versions can be obtained by visiting the following link: http://web.ccis.edu/Offices/CampusSafety/ReportsandStats.aspx.

Columbia College reserves the right to randomly check any and all applications for a criminal, suspension or dismissal history. Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor conviction must provide details regarding the crime(s). 

The College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant and to deny and/or rescind admission to any applicant who provides false or misleading information to the College.

Admission Deadlines

Columbia College has a rolling admissions policy and allows applicants to submit applications anytime throughout the academic year. However, priority processing deadlines may mean that applicants who submit their materials after the stated dates may not be reviewed for admission or may have to postpone enrollment to a later start term. Admission priority processing deadlines are as follows; please visit the academic calendar to see dates for each academic year. 

Main Campus Day Priority Deadlines

• Domestic applicants should submit completed applications (including required supporting materials) no later than two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester and no later than three weeks prior to the start of the spring semester.
• International freshman applicants should submit completed applications (including required supporting materials) no later than four weeks prior to the start of the fall or spring semesters.
• International transfer applicants should submit completed applications (including required supporting materials) no later than two weeks prior to the fall semester and no later than three weeks from the start of the spring semester.
• Applicants not meeting admission criteria who will be required to go through the Application Review Committee should submit all application materials no later than three weeks prior to the start of the fall semester and no later than four weeks prior to the start of the spring semester.

Online & Nationwide (Including Main Campus Evening)

There is no deadline for admission. Applicants can apply & be reviewed for admission at any time. Please note, applicants applying within two weeks of the start of a session may not have time to complete all admission requirements or get financial aid in place before the start of the session.

Admission Procedures

To be considered for admission to the Columbia College, an applicant’s file must include the materials outlined below. All unofficial documents should be submitted electronically to Admissions@ccis.edu; faxed to 573-875-7506; or mailed to Recruiting & Admissions Division, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216. Documents supporting college readiness must be provided to the Recruiting & Admissions Division before admission review.

Note: All official college transcripts should be submitted electronically to EvalTrans@ccis.edu or mailed to: Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

The moderately-selective requirements for admission to the Main Campus Day Program are not applicable to the Columbia College Global (CCG) campuses. See Campus Maps for a map of the all Columbia College Locations.

Every applicant to any Columbia College program or Location, must complete the following steps for admission. Additional requirements may apply to specific applicant status (i.e. non-degree, readmit, international, etc.). See specific applicant status policies below for more information.

1. Submit a completed application at www.ccis.edu/apply
2. Authenticate identity* (see Student Authentication section below)
3. Provide proof of college readiness (see policies below)

* Applicants to the Main Campus Day Program will authenticate after admission.

Columbia College welcomes home schooled applicants at all Locations. Home School applicants must complete all Admissions Procedures. Transcripts may be accepted from recognized home school programs. Contact the Recruiting &Admissions Division for more information.

Student Authentication

All Columbia College applicants are required to authenticate their identity as part of the admissions review process. Main Campus Day Program admits will complete authentication as part of the registration and enrollment, rather than during admission review.

In order to be used for identity authentication, government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card, etc.) must be valid and current. Expired identification will not be accepted for authentication. The applicant’s full name, date of birth, and other directory information must match their application and student file (as applicable).

Some applicants may be exempt from authentication. However, proof of citizenship status (i.e. permanent resident card, naturalized citizen certificate, etc.) is still required for admission review, including applicants who are exempt from authentication. Military service members (active duty, guard, and reserve) applicants from all branches are exempt from the authentication policy as they are verified and approved by the US Military. Veterans, spouses, and dependents of military members, however, still need to complete identity authentication as part of their application to Columbia College.

To complete authentication, applicants must show a government-issued photo identification and verify their identity. Applicants may complete authentication in one of the following ways:

1. Photo with ID: Applicants can take a photo (i.e. selfie) with their government-issued, photo ID, with their ID next to their face in the photograph. The detailed information on their ID must be legible. It is recommended that in addition to this photo, an image of the ID also be submitted for review. Photos can be submitted to Admissions@ccis.edu for verification.
   1. Photo Guidelines: Submit a color photo taken within the last month. Take a clear image of your face. No shadows or filters commonly used on social media should be used. Do not have any distracting or image-altering accessories (i.e. hats, sunglasses, etc.). Exhibit a neutral facial expression or natural smile. Ensure both eyes are open. Do not digitally alter your photo.
2. Video Session: Applicants not located near a Location may show their government-issued photo ID to their Admissions Counselor in a scheduled video meeting via webcam (i.e. Skype or Zoom).
3. At Location: Applicants with access to a Columbia College Nationwide Location may show their government-issued photo ID to a full-time staff member at their Location.
4. Notary Form: A Notary Public will confirm the applicant’s identity by making a copy of the applicant’s government-issued photo ID and providing their signature (and notary stamp as applicable) on the Notary Public ID Authentication Form. This signed and completed form must be submitted to Admissions@ccis.edu for verification.

New applicants with recent changes to their legal name must provide a government-issued photo ID with updated name or provide documentation (i.e. marriage license) to verify their recent name change. Applicants seeking readmission to Columbia College (i.e. applicants with a student record) must also complete the Name Change Request Form with the Office of the Registrar in order to update their student record with Columbia College.

Admission Requirements

Online and Nationwide Admission Criteria

To be reviewed for admission to any of our nationwide locations, the Main Campus Evening program, or the Online program of Columbia College, students must complete the Admissions Procedures AND

• Provide proof of college readiness by presenting of any one of the following:

• Evidence of successful high school completion from an accredited & accepted institution by submission of an unofficial High School transcript* or
• Evidence of successful completion (with score information) of the General Educational Development Test (GED), HiSET, or TASC or
• Evidence of a minimum of 6 credit hours of satisfactory college work from an accredited & accepted institution by submission of unofficial college transcript.* (Non-credit courses, developmental courses, career and/or trade school credit does not satisfy this requirement).

Please note: Based on information provide on the application, additional documents may be required. International student applicants may have additional required documents. See the International Student Admissions section for more information.

*All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment for further registration eligibility. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically to EvalTrans@ccis.edu or mailed to Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

Main Campus Day Program Admission Criteria

To be reviewed for admission to the Main Campus Day Program at Columbia College, students must complete the Admissions Procedures AND demonstrate the appropriate college readiness indicated by their student applicant status.

Admission is generally granted to applicants with a 60 HiSET score or 500 GED (after 2014)/2500 (prior to 2014). Applicants who do not present the minimum requirements for admission may be considered for admission through the Admissions Review Committee process (see Admissions Review Process). Students will be admitted as either New Freshman, Transfer Freshmen or Transfer. Please see sections below for specific requirements for each type of applicant.

New Freshmen

Students with less than twenty-four post-high school, attempted/in-progress college credits are considered freshmen applicants. Admission is generally granted to high school applicants with no previous college credit (excludes high school dual enrollment/dual credit) who follow a college preparatory curriculum and meet the following requirements:

Applicants no post-high school, attempted/in-progress college credits must complete the Admissions Procedures AND meet the following criteria:

• 2.5 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale

AND

• 21 ACT or 1060 SAT* composite score OR rank in the top half of their graduating class**

* 990 SAT composite score prior to March 2016

** If ACT/SAT composite score does not meet minimum admission requirements and class rank is unavailable, academic consideration will be made for college prep work completed in high school. Applicants must demonstrate successful completion of the twelve units of college prep work identified below with a grade of C or higher in each course.

• Four units of English
• Three units of Mathematics (two years of algebra and one year of geometry)
• Three units of Science
• Two units of Social Studies

Note: Applicants who have completed high school more than two years from the time of admission review are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission consideration. However, these scores are also used for freshman course advising and scholarships.

Transfer Freshmen

Applicants with less than twenty-four post-high school (excludes high school dual enrollment/dual credit), earned college credits must complete the Admissions Procedures AND meet the following criteria:

• New Freshmen requirements (GPA and ACT/SAT requirements only)

AND

• Transfer Students requirements

Transfer Students

Students with more than twenty-four post-high school (excludes high school dual enrollment/dual credit), earned college credits are considered transfer applicants. Transfer applicants must complete the Admissions Procedures AND meet the following criteria:

• 2.0 cumulative GPA, which includes all credit attempted at all institutions attended.

*All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment for further registration eligibility. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically to EvalTrans@ccis.edu or mailed to Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

Early-Out Admission Criteria

Main Campus Day students of exceptional ability may apply for admission to Columbia College following completion of their junior year of high school and after having earned 15 high school credits. Applicants for early-out admission must complete the Admissions Procedures for standard admission as well as arrange for a personal interview with the Admissions Review Committee. Students must show an academic record which reflects readiness for college-level work. Consent of the high school principal and parents is required. Admission is contingent upon approval by the Admissions Review Committee.

International Student Admissions

An international student is categorized as a foreign-born person who is not a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States, nor individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status. Applicants who have applied for residency or citizenship must provide all application materials necessary to be considered for international admission until residency or citizenship has been granted. The College does not extend admission to undocumented persons. (Students who are currently granted classification as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are exceptions.)

Persons in F-2 status may apply for admission to the College as non-degree or degree-seeking students. Spouses holding an F-2 Visa may enroll part-time, and dependents holding an F-2 Visa may enroll full-time. There are several other Visa types that are eligible for full-time study at the College. International applicants should contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for enrollment eligibility information.

International students seeking a SEVIS I-20 Form from the College for an F-1 visa are eligible for undergraduate admission through the Main Day Campus, Elgin Campus, Denver Campus, or Salt Lake Campus only. Housing contracts are only available for students applying to the traditional Main Day Campus in Columbia, MO. International students not seeking an I-20 from the College may apply for admission to any venue so long as the current visa status of the applicant allows for academic study while in the United States.

New International Freshmen

International applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must complete a full sequence of university-preparatory studies that would qualify for admission to post-secondary studies in their home country. In general, students who present a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average from university preparatory studies are considered for admission. This requirement is equivalent to the twelve-year program of elementary, middle, and high school in the United States.

International Transfer Students

Columbia College welcomes international students with academic credit from other institutions. In general, students who present a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average from previous university-level coursework are considered for admission. University-level coursework completed at approved, accredited international institutions will be considered for transfer credit on a course-by-course basis. Academic performance at international institutions will be converted to a 4.0 scale for U.S. equivalency.

International Student Admission Criteria

To be reviewed for admission to Columbia College, all documents must be received by the College no later than four weeks from the start of the fall semester and no later than five weeks from the start of the spring semester respectively. International students must complete the Admissions Procedures AND demonstrate the appropriate college readiness indicated by their student applicant status or Location.

Though not required for admission, additional documents must be provided in order to issue an I-20 to Columbia College (at the approved locations) as part of the enrollment process. International students must: 

• Submit the SEVIS Supplement form.
• Submit official bank documents to provide evidence of adequate financial support (in U.S. dollars) for one year of study at the College.
• Copy of valid passport
• Complete a Transfer Recommendation Form and furnish a copy of a valid visa, I-94, and I-20 from the last school attended if transferring to the College from an institution in the U.S.

Please note: Once admitted, international admits to the following locations (Salt Lake, Denver and Elgin) will be unable to register for courses until these documents have been received & approved by the International Center. Depending on applicant status, specific documents will be required upon arrival.

Online & Nationwide Locations

To be reviewed for admission to the Online program or any of the approved Locations (Denver Campus, Elgin Campus, & Salt Lake Campus only), international students must complete the Admissions Procedures AND

• Provide proof of English Proficiency (as outlined in the English Proficiency Requirements policies)

AND

• Provide proof of college readiness by presenting of any one of the following:

• Evidence of successful high school completion from an accredited & accepted institution by submission of an unofficial High School transcript* or
• Evidence of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test (GED), HiSET, or TASC or
• Evidence of a minimum of 6 credit hours of satisfactory college work from an accredited & accepted institution by submission of unofficial college transcript.* (Non-credit courses, developmental courses, career and/or trade school credit does not satisfy this requirement).

*All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment for further registration eligibility. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically to EvalTrans@ccis.edu or mailed to Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

Main Campus Day Program

To be reviewed for admission to the Main Campus Day Program at Columbia College, international students must complete the Admissions Procedures AND

• Provide proof of English Proficiency (as outlined in the English Proficiency Requirements policies)

AND

• Meet New Freshmen, Transfer Freshman, & Transfer Student requirements for the Main Campus Day Program

• Includes evidence of successful completion of secondary school (high school equivalency) records from an accredited & accepted institution by submission of an unofficial High School transcript* in their native language and an official English translation (if needed).

*All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment for further registration eligibility. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically to EvalTrans@ccis.edu or mailed to Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

English Proficiency Requirements

All applicants whose native language is not English (regardless of citizenship) as provided on their application must provide proof of English proficiency. Appropriate scores from the following exams demonstrate English language proficiency:

*Submitted results cannot be older than two years prior to the desired enrollment date.

**If admitted to the Main Campus Day Program under the requirements for additional English Language Support, students will take one or two semesters of courses in our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Upon successfully completing this program, students will have no other requirements or conditions for continued study.
 

Columbia College will also consider the following evidence of English language proficiency for applicants:

• A grade of C or higher from an English composition course completed at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution and deemed equivalent by the Office of the Registrar to the Columbia College ENGL 133 course.
• Successful completion of high school in the United States.
• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in the United States from an accredited institution. 
• Serving as an active duty, reserve or National Guard military member in any branch of the US armed forces (Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, or Navy). Veterans who have served honorably on active duty in the armed forces are also included in this provision.
• Successful completion of specified programs with approved partnerships.
• Readmission to Columbia College, who have previously met English Proficiency requirements.
   

Applicants from the following countries are required to submit SAT/ACT scores in lieu of English proficiency: Australia, Canada (English speaking provinces), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Please note that credentials are reviewed carefully to confirm that applicants have the requisite English language proficiency to succeed academically at Columbia College. Therefore, the Recruiting & Admissions Division reserves the right to require additional documentation to verify English language proficiency. The College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant and to deny and/or rescind admission to any applicant who provides false or misleading information to the College.

Admissions Review Process (Main Campus Day Program)

The Admissions Review Committee reserves the right to review any application for admission.

Main Campus Day Program applicants who do not meet the admissions criteria standards may be considered for admission through the Admissions Review Committee process. In addition to the Admissions Procedures, Admissions Review Committee applicants must:

1. Submit a letter that explains previous academic experiences and addresses difficulties encountered; a description of an activity, project or task at which they have persevered to completion; and a plan for success at Columbia College.*
2. Complete a personal interview with an Admissions Enrollment Counselor.*
3. Applicants can submit additional letters of recommendation, but are not required.

Applications with supporting materials will be reviewed to determine whether applicants are admitted to the College. The committee looks for one or more of the following: unrealized potential; uncommon talent in a given area; perseverance and prediction of academic success; or substantial work experience.

An applicant who is denied admission to the Main Campus Day Program may apply to Main Campus Evening, Nationwide, or Online Campus programs. If an applicant wishes to appeal their denial to the Main Campus Day program , they must submit supporting documentation to AdmissionsAppeals@ccis.edu. The letter of appeal will be reviewed by College administration. Columbia College reserves the right to deny applicants to all locations.

Readmission

Students who have not taken courses with Columbia College in the last six consecutive sessions or longer must apply for readmission. Applicants seeking readmission are classified as students who have completed one or more course at Columbia College with a transcripted GPA, including non-degree students. Applicants seeking readmission will be held to the same priority processing deadlines as all new student applicants, regardless of status (i.e. full-time, part-time or non-degree seeking). Columbia College reserves the right to review all student materials as part of the readmission process, which includes previous application documents and information. Automatic readmission is not guaranteed.

Official transcripts from each college attended after Columbia College will be required for readmission consideration for Main Campus Day readmission. Resubmission of original official transcripts may be required if the absence prior to re-enrollment exceeds five years. Any remaining unsubmitted transcripts or admission documents required during previous Columbia College attendance will be required prior to readmission. (This includes the requirement to provide official transcripts within 90 days of initial enrollment).

Academic and financial status restrictions are checked upon application review. Students will be notified by their campus of readmission decision or pending restrictions. Students with outstanding payments at Columbia College may be denied admission until financial obligations are resolved. (Students may contact the Enrollment Service Center directly to determine if there is a balance due). Students serving suspension or not in good academic standing may be denied admission until appeal processes have been completed.

The College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant and to deny and/or rescind admission to any applicant who provides false or misleading information to the College, including conflicting information across multiple applications and/or cumulative application materials.

Readmission After Suspension

Students may apply for readmission to Columbia College following a suspension of one semester. Application deadlines will be adhered to regardless of status, including full-time, part-time, or non-degree seeking.

Before applying for readmission, students must complete the following:

1. Send a letter of appeal to AdmissionsAppeals@ccis.edu requesting consideration for readmission. The letter will should include an assessment of lack of previous academic progress, an outline of accomplishments since dismissal, and a specific plan of action for success should readmission be approved. The letter of appeal will be reviewed by College administration.
2. Reconcile any balance owed to Columbia College through the Enrollment Service Center.
3. Submit any other missing required documents not provided during previous attendance. 

After approval to reapply, students must complete the following:

1. Submit a readmission application.
2. Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar from each college attended since leaving Columbia College.
3. Submit any other missing required documents not provided during previous attendance.

Readmission After Dismissal

Students may apply for readmission to Columbia College following a dismissal of three years. Application deadlines will be firmly adhered to regardless of status; full-time, part-time or non-degree seeking.

Before applying for readmission, students must complete the following:

1. Send a letter of appeal to AdmissionsAppeals@ccis.edu requesting consideration for readmission. The letter will should include an assessment of lack of previous academic progress, an outline of accomplishments since dismissal, and a specific plan of action for success should readmission be approved. The letter of appeal will be reviewed by College administration.
2. Reconcile any balance owed to Columbia College through the Enrollment Service Center.

After approval to reapply, students must complete the following:

1. Submit a readmission application.
2. Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar from each college attended since leaving Columbia College.

Submit any other missing required documents not provided during previous attendance.

Students who have been permanently dismissed from Columbia College are not eligible for readmission.

Changing Locations (Location Transfer)

Students attending online, nationwide or main campus evening can cross enroll or update/change their location without needing to reapply. Students changing to the Main Campus Day program must reapply. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at their current location prior to changing locations. By meeting with an advisor, students will be able to make an informed decision prior to changing locations and taking into consideration possible impacts to:

• Institutional aid
• Degree program availability
• Course availability
• Degree completion

If you are an applicant/admitted student and are not currently enrolled, please contact the Admission Office to change that before enrolling in classes. Note that this process cannot be completed by logging into your previously submitted application.

Note that applicants changing to the Main Campus Day program may have to meet additional admission requirements. Additionally, Main Campus Day applicants changing to an online/nationwide/main campus evening location may also have additional requirements required before admission, including but not limited to authentication. 

Non-Degree Seeking Students

The non-degree seeking status is designed for part-time students who do not seek an academic degree at Columbia College. Students who wish to apply for non-degree seeking status must complete the non-degree seeking application for admission. Acceptance as a non-degree seeking student is not automatic. Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student neither guarantees automatic admission to degree-seeking status, nor does it necessarily impact an admission decision. Students enrolling at Columbia College under this non-degree status may be considered for degree-seeking status in a subsequent semester by completing the full degree-seeking application process. Non-degree seeking students cannot change/update to degree seeking in the middle of an academic semester.

Non-degree seeking students are required to remain in good academic standing (not on academic or disciplinary probation). Non-degree seeking students who do not enroll in one or more consecutive semesters (Main Campus Day) or six consecutive sessions (Main Campus Evening and Nationwide/Online locations), must reapply for non-degree admission. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.

International students who wish to enroll part-time at Columbia College may be considered for admission as a non-degree student. Students must be degree seeking to be eligible for a SEVIS I-20 Form from the College at applicable locations. Students in F-2 status must apply as a non-degree student and enroll in courses that are avocational or recreational in nature. Non-degree seeking international students must show proof of English proficiency.

Enrollment for non-degree seeking students is on a space-available basis only. Course selections may be limited. Many courses include prerequisite/corequisite requirements. (See course descriptions for details regarding specific courses). Non-degree seeking students must provide proof that course prerequisites have been met prior to enrolling in the respective course(s). Failure to meet these preliminary requirements may result in being dropped from the course(s). Classification (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior) will be determined only by the credits students have completed at Columbia College.

Main Campus Day Non-Degree students only:

• Non-degree seeking students who enroll in twelve or more hours are considered full-time students (and thus will be charged the full-time tuition rate)
• Enrolling as a non-degree seeking student does not negate the residence hall requirement (applicable only to enrollment as a full-time student)

Certificate Seeking Students

Columbia College offers a variety of certificate programs and eligibility to enroll varies by program. Please see specific certificate sections for enrollment criteria. Note that the majority of certificate programs are non-degree seeking status. The non-degree seeking status is designed for part-time students who do not seek an academic degree at Columbia College. Students who wish to apply for non-degree seeking status must complete the non-degree seeking application for admission. Acceptance as a non-degree certificate seeking student is not automatic. Additional and separate criteria may apply to different certificate programs for admission review. Please see specific certificate sections for admission criteria.

Enrollment as a certificate, non-degree seeking student neither guarantees automatic admission to degree-seeking status, nor does it necessarily impact an admission decision. Students enrolling at Columbia College under this non-degree certificate status may be considered for degree-seeking status in a subsequent semester by completing the full degree-seeking application process. Non-degree seeking students cannot change/update to degree seeking in the middle of an academic semester.

Non-degree seeking certificate students are not eligible for financial aid.

High School Dual Enrollment

High school students (freshman through senior) have the opportunity to take college courses for credit while completing high school. Dual enrollment means that high school students are enrolled in high school and college courses concurrently; the college level courses are taken through Columbia College.

Students still currently enrolled in high school who wish to earn credit at Columbia College must:

1. Submit the undergraduate application for admission. See admissions priority deadlines for more information on application deadlines by location. 
2. Request an unofficial copy of the high school transcript to be sent to the Recruiting & Admissions Division.
3. Meet specific academic qualifications by high school level: 
   • 9th Graders: Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT/SAT at or above the 90th percentile
   • 10th Graders: Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
   • 11th & 12th Graders: Cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher
4. Provide written support from the high school principal or guidance counselor and a parent or legal guardian by completing the Columbia College Dual Enrollment form (contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for this form or print it from the Dual Enrollment page).

The Admissions Review Committee reserves the right to review any application for admission under the dual enrollment status. The College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant and to deny and/or rescind admission to any applicant who provides false or misleading information to the College.

High School Dual Credit

High school students (freshman through senior) have the opportunity to take college courses for credit while completing high school. Dual credit means that high school students are enrolled in high school courses that will receive college credit based on a partnership between Columbia College and that particular high school. Courses will be taken at the high school. Dual Credit is only available to partner high schools. Please contact Academic Affairs or Recruiting & Admissions Division for more information about partnerships.

Students still currently enrolled in high school who wish to earn credit through a high school dual credit partnership with Columbia College must complete the following steps.

Items required in 1 - 4 will be collected by the high school representative and submitted to Columbia College by agreed deadline.

1. Submit the dual credit application. This will be provided by the high school administration during the enrollment period. 
2. Request an unofficial copy of the high school transcript.
3. Provide a copy of high school ID card/drivers license.
4. Submit payment through high school adminsitration.

To be eligible for high school dual credit, applicants must meet the following specific academic qualifications by high school level: 

• 9th Graders: Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT/SAT at or above the 90th percentile
• 10th Graders: Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 11th & 12th Graders: Cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher

The Admissions Review Committee reserves the right to review any application for admission under the dual enrollment status. The College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant and to deny and/or rescind admission to any applicant who provides false or misleading information to the College.

Additional Academic Information

Additional Academic Documents

Although not required for admission consideration, additional academic information that may supplement an application file includes, but may not be limited to: Advanced Placement; International Baccalaureate; Excelsior (formerly Regents); ACE accredited corporate courses; military credit (DSST, DD214, JST); Law Enforcement Training Institute; RN certification and LPN certification. For additional information about the transfer of alternative credit, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Course Prerequisites

Many courses include prerequisite/corequisite requirements. (See course descriptions for details regarding specific courses). It is the student’s responsibility to fulfill prerequisite requirements before enrolling in the respective course(s). Failure to meet these preliminary requirements may result in being dropped from the course(s).

Columbia College Alumni Association Lifelong Learning Grant Applicants

Students who have an associate or baccalaureate degree from Columbia College may be eligible to receive the CCAA Lifelong Learning Grant. Eligible students may enroll in one course free of charge if five years have elapsed since receiving their degree, they owe no fees to Columbia College and are not in default on federal aid loans.

Students may enroll for credit as auditors in courses being offered during the regularly scheduled semesters or sessions, provided space is available and course prerequisites are met. This grant cannot be used for graduate-level or online courses. Students are required to pay lab fees and for textbooks associated with the courses. Students are permitted to enroll in one free course in each subsequent five-year period but may not accumulate free courses.

Students must apply for admission to be eligible to register for a course. No applicant fee is required. CCAA Lifelong Learning applicants must also submit a Columbia College financial assistance application to the Enrollment Services Center.

Transcripts/Credit Documents Requirement

Applicants must inform the College of all institutions of higher learning attended and whether or not academic credit was earned at these institutions. Falsification of application information, including failure to identify all post-secondary institutions attended, may result in denial of admission or dismissal if discovered after enrollment.

An official transcript and official English language translation from each college and university attended must be submitted to the College before transfer of credit can be accomplished. An official transcript is marked as such and sent directly from the institution attended to the Columbia College Office of the Registrar. A transcript marked official and hand delivered in a sealed envelope of the institution by the applicant will be accepted as official. Transcripts marked unofficial or student copy will not be considered official even if delivered in a sealed institution envelope. Faxed transcripts are not considered official. Credit will not be evaluated nor considered acceptable for admission for one institution from another institution’s transcript. Only grades of ‘C’ or higher are accepted in transfer. The following is a list of examinations and test scores that must be submitted for an official evaluation: CLEP, DANTES (DSST), AP and IB.

Applicants who are unable to obtain transcripts because the previous institution has closed, had a fire or other records catastrophe may include a letter from the institution or the Department of Education for the state, or the Ministry of Education where the school is located indicating that the transcript is not available. If the letter is provided along with the application and other transfer documents, then there will be no delay in the evaluation process.

International bachelor’s degrees awarded by institutions that are chartered and recognized by their centralized government educational body, or their national ministry of education, will be accepted as meeting the qualifications for a general education waiver if these criteria are met:

• 33 hours of general education course work (as defined by Columbia College)
• Of the 33 hours, representation in these areas must be met:
  • Humanities general education course(s)
  • Social and behavioral sciences general education course(s)
  • Mathematics/science general education course(s)
• ENGL 133 must be completed at Columbia College
  • Requests to allow domestic transfer of ENGL 133 must be submitted in writing via the Course Waiver/Substitution/Appeal form, found on The Office of the Registrar Forms web page.

International students must meet all of the above criteria in order to be eligible for a general education waiver. Once the criteria are met, a request for evaluation must be submitted by your advisor to the Office of the Registrar.

The College evaluates advanced secondary school education from other countries, such as the British Advanced Level Examinations, the French Baccalaureate, the German Abitur, and the Canadian CEGEPs. Students who successfully have completed advanced secondary school education may receive advanced standing or transfer credit at the College. Such credit is evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Students may be asked to submit course descriptions and/or course syllabi for evaluation purposes.

Once a document has been submitted it becomes the property of Columbia College. Neither the original nor a copy will be given to the applicant.