Columbia College

Columbia College is one of only five colleges in South Carolina featured on CollegesofDistinction.com, an online guide focused on colleges and universities that appeal to students’ unique and varied interests.

Colleges of Distinction™ recognizes colleges that excel in four key areas of educational quality and is based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals.

“Schools selected as Colleges of Distinction™ create well-rounded graduates and are among the very best in the country,” reports Tyson Schritter, the Executive Editor of Colleges of Distinction™. “While each school is one of a kind, they all share a common attribute: each is a great place to get an education.”

To qualify for inclusion in the guide, Columbia College demonstrated excellence in the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.

The goal of Colleges of Distinction™ is to provide students, counselors and parents with information about colleges and universities that excel in these four areas. Featured schools take a holistic approach to admissions, consistently excel in providing undergraduate education, and have a truly national reputation.

A sampling of distinctions of note at Columbia College include:

• The 4Cs of Leadership: Building Courage to step outside comfort zones and attending group meetings without the "usual" friends. Instilling a sense of Commitment by serving as an organization’s officer or on an annual activity board. Fostering the Confidence to take on leadership positions that challenge students to live up to their potential. Extending Competence to demonstrate individual knowledge and understanding of a subject area, or of Columbia College itself as an Orientation Leader.
• A wide range of student activities, including honor societies, international film parties, 18 academic and professional organizations, service organizations, 11 religious organizations, and a wide range of concerts and seminars from known artists, authors and musicians, just to name a few.
• First Year Student Success Team: This collaborative group of faculty and student affairs professionals work together to identify first year students who may need an extra boost of confidence and help from people who care. The first year of enrollment at Columbia provides a foundational experience in which women can grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually—and the FYSST makes sure no student misses out!
• The Honors Program: An enriching academic experience for students who are actively committed to personal excellence. By continually challenging intellectual and creative limits, Honor students take the collaborative learning to a higher level. Honor students are always buddying up with professors, and developing new and innovative ideas with their education. 
• The Center for Engaged Learning: Created in 2004, the C.E.L. promotes student success and retention through a strategic, intentional partnership between academics and outside student activities. This center creates the opportunity for students to make meaningful connections between their own learning and living experiences inside and outside the classroom.
• The Leadership Institute: Established in 1990, The Leadership Institute prepares women to assume leadership in professional and community settings, to lead innovation and change throughout their lives and to be effective in a global society. 
• The Office of Career Services: Career Peers, self-assessment testing, career fairs, resume building and workshops assist students in the career process and finding potential career information. 

For more information about Colleges of Distinction visit www.collegesofdistinction.com. To schedule a visit to Columbia College, contact Admissions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , call 800.277.1301, or visit our website, www.columbiasc.edu/admissions/.

July 31, 2012

About Columbia College

Columbia College is a women’s liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The College empowers a motivated student to explore new ideas, develop her voice, and cultivate within herself the leadership abilities to build a better world. The College focuses on providing students with personal attention, academically challenging programs, and intellectual and professional competencies. For more than 150 years, Columbia College has transformed young women into leaders. Columbia College encompasses the Women's College, established in 1854, and the Evening program and Graduate programs serving both women and men.