Undergraduate Admission Requirements Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out the requirements for admission to Columbia College for undergraduate study.

Scope

This policy applies to applicants for admission to the Traditional Campus, evening program in Columbia, MO, Online program, and local venues nationwide. Please see the Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate Student Policy and the International Student Admission Policy for admission procedures as a non-degree seeking or an international student at Columbia College.

Policy

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 reports and statistics page.

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(s) 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.

Applications remain active through the semester in which an applicant applies. If an applicant is not admitted to the term to which they apply, then the application will be withdrawn, and the applicant must reapply for readmission.

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 who do not meet 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 and 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. 

Unofficial transcripts should be submitted from the institution’s student portal and include the following: the applicant’s first name, last name, name of the institution, courses completed by semester/term, grades by semester/term, GPA by semester/term, cumulative GPA, and cumulative credits earned. Editable documents, linked documents, screenshots, etc. will not be accepted for admission review.

If an applicant makes an error on their application, additional documentation may be required in order to correct the error. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Department for more information.

Note: 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.

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 review. 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
2. Provide proof of college readiness (Note: Admission requirements may vary by Location. See policies below) 

Columbia College welcomes home schooled applicants at all Locations. Home School applicants must complete all Admissions Procedures. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for more information. 

Student Authentication

All Columbia College students are required to authenticate their identity as part of the enrollment process. See the Admissions Authentication Policy. 

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 high school completion via the High School Attestation Form or Home School Attestation Form^[2]
• Evidence of successful high school completion by submission of an unofficial High School transcript^[2] or 
• Evidence of successful completion (with score information) of the General Educational Development Test (GED), HiSET, or TASC or 
• For residents in Florida, Texas, and Washington only: 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).

Note: Based on information provided on the application, additional documents such as an ACT/SAT score, a resume containing professional experience, or certifications may be required. International student applicants may have additional required documents. See the International Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Main Campus Day Program Admission Criteria 

Columbia College is committed to holistic review of applicants and thus, has been and will continue to be test-optional for admission ^[3]. New Freshman applicants for the Main Campus Day Program who believe their test scores are an accurate reflection of their academic abilities are welcome to submit them for admission consideration. If they choose not to, applicants will be reviewed on GPA, college prep curriculum and/or class rank.^[4] 

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 stage. 

Admission is generally granted to applicants with a 60 HiSET score or 500 GED after 2014 (2500 GED 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 Freshman

Students with less than twenty-four post-high school earned 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 with 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 score or rank in the top half of their graduating class or
• 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 with a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale who do not have/meet rank, test score, or core class requirements will be reviewed for admission. Domestic applicants only.

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 Freshman

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 Program 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.

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. For more information on non-degree seeking student status and admission criteria, please see the Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate Student Policy. 

High School Dual Enrollment

High school students (freshman through senior) have the opportunity to take college courses for credit while completing high school. For more information on the program and the admission criteria, please see the High School Dual Enrollment Policy.  

Admission Policies Pertaining to Special Programs

Special programs at Columbia College may require additional admission steps and requirements. All applicants must complete the Admissions Procedures outlined below as well as the additional requirements to apply directly to the special program. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for further information at 573-875-7515 or 877-999-9876 or Admissions@CCIS.edu.

Teacher Certification Programs

Columbia College offers a variety of teacher certification programs. All candidates for the teacher certification programs are expected to meet general admission requirements to Columbia College. (See Admissions Requirements for more details.) Not all programs for teacher certification are available at all Columbia College locations. See specific program details in catalog and on the College website. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for more program specific information.

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the teacher certification course sequence. 

Admission to the teacher certification program is on a moderately selective basis. 

BEACON Program

The Beacon Program is a certification program designed so that students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their desired content area and certification in their desired grade level. Students complete all degree and certification requirements at the undergraduate level. 

When completing the online application, students who wish to pursue Elementary Education Certification have two degree:

1. Choose the ‘Bachelor of General Studies for Elementary Education Certification’ that includes the Elementary Education Certification Minor and Elementary Education Content Area Minors in Language Arts, Mathematic/Science, and Social Studies. Students must complete all minors to earn this degree. 
2. Choose a degree in a content area (i.e. human services, psychology, art, etc.) and add the Elementary Education Certification Minor. 
3. Students who choose to pursue Middle School or Secondary Education Certification will select the content area/major (i.e. math, English, science, etc.) on the online application. Students will then select a minor in a certification area of middle school, secondary, art k-12 or music k-12. 

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the teacher certification course sequence.

Admission to the teacher certification program is on a moderately selective basis. Certification students must apply and be accepted into the Teacher Certification Program before enrolling in most education courses above EDUC 300. 

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

UNDERGRADUATE POST-BACC

The Columbia College Undergraduate Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program (UPB.CERT) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue teacher certification but not a master’s degree. This program is available through the main campus in Columbia as well as at two nationwide locations - Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis, Missouri. (Not all certificate options are available at all three campus locations.) Post baccalaureate students are only eligible for take courses required for certification. Non-certification courses are not covered by federal financial aid.

To be reviewed for admission to this certification program, students must complete the Admissions Procedures and provide proof of program readiness by presenting the following:

• Completed bachelor’s degree
• 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA (this includes all courses taken at any undergraduate institution)

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.

Recent graduates from Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for the undergraduate post baccalaureate program. Students must reapply to the UPB.CERT program and must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the Readmission criteria for admission review.

MASTER'S POST-BACC

The Columbia College Master’s Post Baccalaureate program (MAT.PB) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue teacher certification along with a master’s degree. (This program, with graduate level courses is currently only offered through the main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at the Lake Ozark or St. Louis locations may be admitted if they wish to commute to enroll in graduate courses.)

Students interested in applying to the Master’s program must follow the graduate admissions procedures as outlined in the graduate catalog.

Associate of Science in Nursing 

Columbia College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program offered at two Locations - in Columbia Missouri and the Lake of the Ozarks. The program is open to individuals who have no prior nursing education and to those who hold a Licensed Practical Nursing license.

All candidates for the nursing program are expected to meet general admission requirements to Columbia College. (See Admissions Requirements for more details.) 

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the ASN course sequence. 

Admission to the ASN program is on a selective basis. Cohort sizes and selection deadlines vary by Location.  

RN-to BSN Program 

Columbia College offers a fully only RN-to-BSN program to help working registered nurses obtain a bachelor degree. The RN-to-BSN degree program may not be available in specific states. 

To be reviewed for admission to this degree program, students must complete the Admissions Procedures above and provide proof of program readiness by presenting the following:  

• Completed associate degree in Nursing
• Successful completion of the National Counselor Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses

Proof of program readiness is typically provided by college transcripts and a copy of the RN License.

Recent graduates from Columbia College with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree are eligible to apply for the RN-to-BSN online program. Students must reapply to the RN-to-BSN program and must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the Readmission criteria for admission review. Additional documents may be required after admission which will be collected by the Nursing Department.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Main Campus Day Program) 

Columbia College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at the Main Campus Day Program in Columbia, MO. Students are admitted to Columbia College first and then must meet additional selection criteria to be considered for the BSN program.

All candidates for the BSN program are expected to meet general admission requirements to the Main Campus Day Program. (See Admissions Requirements for more details.)

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the BSN course sequence. 

Admission to the program is on a selective basis. Cohort sizes and selection deadlines vary.

Certification Programs 

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 federal financial aid.

Crime Scene Investigation Certificate  

The Crime Scene Investigation Certificate (CSI) is available only at the Main Campus Day program, Online and St. Louis location. The CSI certificate is a non-degree program and not eligible for federal financial aid. 

To be reviewed for admission to the CSI certificate, students must complete the Admissions Procedures and provide proof of program readiness by proof of the following: 

• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from another regionally accredited school.

Current Columbia College students do NOT need to reapply to this program; current students can declare this program in the self-service portal in myPortal. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

Business Certificates 

Business Administration undergraduate certificates are available in three business administration fields: management, marketing and human resource management. These certificates are only available at our nationwide & online locations and only current degree-seeking Columbia College students are eligible to add these to their current program of study.

Current Columbia College students do NOT need to reapply to this program; current students can declare this program in the self-service portal in myPortal. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

Other Admission Policies 

International applicants have additional requirements and guidelines (see International Student Admission Policy). Proof of English proficiency is required for all international students and non-native English speakers (see English Proficiency Requirement).  

Readmission applicants have additional requirements and guidelines (see the Readmission Policy).