Military Spouses

Columbia College is a military-friendly school; this attribute applies to the military spouse as well as the servicemember. With low tuition rates, SOC benefits, the convenience of mixing in-seat and online courses, and accelerated eight-week sessions, Columbia College is a perfect fit for the mobile and dynamic environment associated with military life.

Military spouse scholarships

• Take your first Columbia College class on us with the Spouse’s Opportunity Scholarship.
• Get 20% off tuition for undergraduate in-seat classes
• Attend Columbia College with your spouse and receive discounted tuition using the Two-in-Family Grant.
• Take advantage of the National Military Family Association's military spouse scholarship.
• Benefit from Army Emergency Relief scholarships for both statewide and overseas spouses.

Distance-learning programs

Pursue one of 18 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree programs through the Online Campus; more than 500 classes offered each session.

The Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP) has developed partnerships with colleges and universities to offer rating relevant degrees via distance learning to Navy servicemembers everywhere. Columbia College's partnership provides associate and bachelor's degree programs relevant to each rating and makes maximum use of military professional training and experience to fulfill degree requirements.

Flexible scheduling

Columbia College operates more than 30 campuses around the country, including 16 on military bases. All offer courses in the evening and/or on the weekend with eight-week sessions five times a year. Some campuses offer courses once per week for five hours per course; other campuses offer courses twice per week for 2.5 hours per course. Course schedules and degree programs vary by campus. Visit your local campus Web site for details.

If the military takes you to a location without a Columbia College in-seat program, the transition to the online program is seamless and ensures that you can continue your education on schedule, at your convenience. And Columbia College understands that sometimes, situations come up in which a service member or spouse must take a break from their educational goals for a session or two.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) benefits

Frequent moves and the possibility of deployment often prevent military members and their dependents from starting or completing their education. However, Columbia College’s network of campuses allows students in the military and their family members to stay on the path to graduation.

Columbia College provides the SOC transfer credit benefits to the military spouse as it does to its servicemembers. As a charter member of the Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), Columbia College enables students to obtain a formal SOC Student Agreement and take courses at any SOC school, then transfer the credits back to Columbia College to complete degree requirements. SOC institutions are located in the United States and abroad, and they agree to accept transfer credit from other member schools within the same curriculum or degree network.

Exams for college credit

Columbia College accepts American Council on Education (ACE) recommended credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES DSST), Proficiency Examination Program (PEP), Excelsior (formerly Regents) Exams/ACT PEP, Advanced Placement Exams, and Certification Exams. Transferring credit couldn’t be easier.

Credit for Prior Learning

Columbia College defines prior learning as learning and growing knowledge gained through work or other experiences outside the formal setting of a college classroom. The college has a policy limiting the maximum number of hours of prior learning to 15 credits. Learn more about obtaining credit for life experience in our CPL guide .

Career placement services

Regardless where you're located, Columbia College provides online access to career placement tools through the Career Services Center. As a Columbia College student or alumni, you have access to testing services; degree (major) and career exploration tools; resumé writing and interview assistance; local, regional and national internship opportunities; job-search strategies; graduate school application tools; and career-management tips through alumni services.

Many additional career placement services are provided face-to-face at the Career Services Center in Columbia, Mo. If you are not in the Columbia area, you can contact the Career Services Center at 1-800-325-2986 ext. 7425 and receive assistance over the phone. Additionally, Columbia College has reciprocity privileges with numerous institutions throughout the country through its membership in National Association of Colleges and Employers. Contact the Career Services Center to see if this assistance is available in your area.