Admission Policies

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 that they are likely to complete the College’s broad-based general education curriculum and to master an undergraduate major. Many factors are considered in the admission decision but previous academic achievement is the best predictor of success at Columbia College. 

The moderately-selective requirements for admission to the Day and Evening Programs on the main campus are not applicable to the Columbia College Adult Higher Education (AHE) campuses. Students seeking to enroll should apply for admission at the respective location or apply online at www.ccis.edu/apply/. See Campus Maps for a map of the Nationwide Campuses.

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). Applicants with a suspension or disciplinary action from a previous college/university must provide details regarding the instance(s).

Student Authentication

All Columbia College students are required to authenticate their identity as part of the admissions process. A student with access to a Columbia College campus may show a government-issued photo identification to a college staff member in order to authenticate their identity. Students who are not located near a campus will be required to authenticate their identity using a service provided by ProctorU, which has been established for online students or others, as designated by the college, to be able to authenticate their identity online. There is no charge to the student for authenticating through ProctorU. At the time of authentication, the student will need to have access to a webcam and be prepared to provide their student ID number, college email address and government issued photo ID.

Admission Deadlines

Application deadlines will be firmly adhered to for all applicants regardless of status.  

Main Campus Day:

• Domestic applicants must submit completed applications no later than two weeks prior to the fall semester and no later than three weeks from the start of the spring semester.
• International freshman applicants must submit completed applications no later than four weeks form the start of the fall semester and no later than five weeks from the start of the spring semester.
• International transfer applicants must submit completed applications no later than two weeks prior to the fall semester and no later than three weeks from the start of the spring semester.
• Applicants required to go through the Application Review Committee must submit all application materials no later than three weeks prior to the start of the fall semester and no later than five weeks prior to the start of the spring semester.
• Non-Degree applicants must submit all application materials no later than one week prior to the start of the semester of intended enrollment.

Main Campus Evening: It is recommended that all new students (freshmen, transfers, readmits, international) complete the application process no later than two weeks prior to the first day of classes for the term for which they seek admission. Students who miss this recommended deadline may be required to apply as Non-Degree Seeking status or postpone enrollment until a later term. For applicants required to go through the Admissions Review Committee, all application materials must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the intended enrollment session.

Online & Nationwide: There is no deadline for admission. Applicants can apply & be reviewed for admission at any time.

International Student Admissions

Columbia College is welcoming of international students and encourages applications from non-citizens. 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).

International students seeking a SEVIS I-20 Form from the College for an F-1 visa are eligible for undergraduate admission through the Day Campus, Elgin Campus, Denver Campus, or Salt Lake Campus only. International students who are accepted for admission will receive a housing contract and I-20, if applicable. 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. Persons in F-2 status may apply for admission to the College only as non-degree students and are limited to part-time avocational and recreational studies. There are several other visa types that are eligible for full-time study at the College. International applicants should contact the Admissions Office for enrollment eligibility information.

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 appropriate 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. If a transfer student does not present a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0, the student may be considered for admission through the Admissions Review Committee process.

International Student Application Process

International applicants to the must provide complete application materials as outlined below. 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. To be considered for admission to the College, an international student must:

Submit the application for admission to with a one-time, non-refundable $35 (U.S. dollars) application fee. Checks should be made payable to Columbia College.

1. Submit the SEVIS Supplement form.
2. Request official, original secondary school records in the native language and an official English translation to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. 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.
3. Request official, original transcripts (in the native language) from each college/university attended and an official English translation to be sent directly to the Admissions Office.
4. Submit official bank documents to provide evidence of adequate financial support (in U.S. dollars) for one year of study at the College.
5. Demonstrate evidence of English language proficiency.
6. Complete a Transfer Recommendation Form and furnish a copy of a valid passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 from the last school attended if transferring to the College from an institution in the U.S.

English Proficiency Requirements

All applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. Appropriate scores from the following exams demonstrate English language proficiency:

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 111 course.

• Successful completion of a U.S.-based English for Speakers of Other Languages Program (EAP) or Intensive English Program (IEP) and a letter of recommendation from the institution endorsing full academic admission.

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 Admissions Office reserves the right to require additional documentation to verify English language proficiency.

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 and submit it with the $35 one-time, non-refundable application fee. Acceptance as a non-degree seeking student is not automatic. Students must be in good academic standing with Columbia College or any other institutions attended. Main Campus Day non-degree students must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA for admission. Applicants currently serving suspension at another institution may be denied admission. Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student neither guarantees automatic admission to degree-seeking status, nor does it necessarily impact an admission decision.

Day students only:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and also have a 2.0 or higher GPA for the most recent semester completed
• Applicants currently serving suspension at another institution may be denied admission and are recommended to wait a minimum of one semester before applying to Columbia College
• Non-degree seeking students who enroll in twelve or more hours are considered full-time students
• Enrolling as a non-degree seeking student does not negate the residence hall requirement (applicable to enrollment as a full-time student)

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 five consecutive sessions (Main Campus Evening and AHE), must reapply for admission. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid. Students enrolling at Columbia College under this status may be considered for degree-seeking status in a subsequent term by completing the full application process.

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. 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: minimum TOEFL score of 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based or 61 internet-based; an APIEL score of 3 or higher; completion of an advanced proficiency level in an accredited English as a Second Language (ESL) program; completion of a course equivalent to English Composition I with a grade of C or higher. Additionally, international students must submit a copy of a valid passport, visa, I-94 departure record and most recent I-20, if currently enrolled at another institution.

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.

High School Dual Enrollment

High school Juniors and Seniors have the opportunity to take college courses for credit while completing high school. Application deadlines will be firmly adhered to for all applicants regardless of status. 

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

1. Submit the undergraduate application for admission with a one-time, non-refundable $35 fee. Applicants must submit completed applications no later than two weeks from the start of the semester or session to which they are applying.
2. Request an official high school transcript and ACT or SAT score be sent directly to the Admissions office.
3. Main Campus Day: Present a 2.5 cumulative high school grade point average and a minimum 21 ACT/990 SAT or minimum 50th percentile class rank. Main Campus Evening, Online & Nationwide: Present a 2.0 cumulative high school grade point average and a minimum 21 ACT/990 SAT or minimum 50th percentile class rank. 
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 Admissions for this form).
5. Homeschooled students must complete steps 1-3 and submit written support from a parent or legal guardian by completing the dual enrollment form.

The Admissions Review Committee reserves the right to review any application for admission under the dual enrollment status.

Readmission

Students who wish to return to Columbia College after interrupting attendance for one semester (Main Campus Day students) or five consecutive sessions or longer (Main Campus Evening, Nationwide and Online students), must apply for readmission. There is no fee for readmission. Applicants must submit new completed applications no later than two weeks from the start of the semester (Main Campus Day students) or one week from the start of the session (Main Campus Evening and AHE students), to which they are applying. Application deadlines will be firmly adhered to regardless of status: full-time, part-time or non-degree seeking.

Official transcripts from each college attended after Columbia College will be required for readmission consideration. Resubmission of original official transcripts may be required if the absence prior to re-enrollment exceeds five years. Any remaining un-submitted 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 is checked by the campus to which the student reapplies, and the student is notified of the readmission decision. (Students may contact the Enrollment Service Center directly to determine if there is a balance due).

Readmission After Suspension

Students may apply for readmission to Columbia College following a suspension of one semester (Main Campus Day students) or two sessions (Main Campus Evening and AHE students). Application deadlines will be firmly adhered to regardless of status; full-time, part-time or non-degree seeking.

To apply for readmission after suspension, students must:

1. Complete the undergraduate application for admission.
2. Write a letter to the Provost (Main Campus Day students) or the Assistant Dean for Adult Higher Education (Main Campus Evening, Nationwide and Online students) requesting consideration for readmission. The letter should include an assessment of lack of previous academic progress, an outline of accomplishments since suspension and a specific plan of action for success should readmission be approved.
3. Reconcile any balance owed to Columbia College through the Enrollment Service Center.
4. Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar from each college attended since leaving Columbia College.
5. Main Campus Day students who were born after January 1, 1957 must submit a completed Columbia College Medical History form and show proof of two vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

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.

To apply for readmission after dismissal, students must:

1. Complete the undergraduate application for admission.
2. Write a letter to the Provost (Main Campus Day students) or the Assistant Dean of Adult Higher Education (Main Campus Evening, Nationwide and Online students) requesting consideration for readmission. The letter 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.
3. Reconcile any balance owed to Columbia College through the Enrollment Service Center.
4. Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar from each college attended since leaving Columbia College.
5. Main Campus Day students who were born after January 1, 1957 must submit a completed Columbia College Medical History form and show proof of two vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

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

Changing Campus Location (Campus to Campus Transfer)

Students can change their Columbia College campus location as an applicant or as a current student at any time. 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 and are not currently enrolled, please contact your desired campus location and request that they update your campus location on your application. Note that this process cannot be completed by logging into your previously submitted application.

Currently enrolled Columbia College students who wish to officially change their campus location should log into their CougarTrack account. Use the “Applicants” drop-down menu to find and highlight “My Information.” Select the “Change of Campus” form. Indicate desired campus location as well as well as the session that you would like to begin taking courses at the new campus location. Before a student is allowed to register for classes at the new campus location, he or she must meet with their academic advisor at the new campus location.

Note that applicants changing to the Main Campus Day or Main Campus Evening program may have to meet additional admission requirements.

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); 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.

Appeals may be made for an exception to having all transcripts/credit documents submitted prior to an evaluation. An appeal must include a statement of why the transcript/credit document is unavailable and/or why the applicant wishes to proceed without it for the initial evaluation. A waiver/disclaimer statement must also be signed by the applicant indicating that he understands that he is responsible for any consequences incurred due to the late receipt of all documents. Areas of consequence include, but are not limited to, enrollment for a subsequent term, advising and academic level.

Appeals will not be approved nor exceptions made for the following reasons:

• Applicant owes money at another institution and is therefore unable to procure an official transcript;
• Poor grades at the previous institution and therefore courses may not be transferable to Columbia College;
• Applicant does not believe that previous coursework is applicable to Columbia College;
• Applicant does not want to pay transcript fees.

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 an appeal is not necessary and there will be no delay in the evaluation process.

Applicants may also submit a letter of appeal if a previous institution attended is not currently nor has ever been accredited by one of the accrediting bodies recognized by Columbia College.

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 111 and ENGL 112 must be completed at Columbia College
  • Requests to allow domestic transfer of ENGL 111 and/or ENGL 112 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.

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.