The mission of Columbia College is to prepare every student personally and professionally for success through liberal arts and professional programs emphasizing service, social justice, and leadership development.

Columbia College History

Columbia College was founded in 1854 as Columbia Female College by the Methodist Conference of South Carolina. The College, located on Plain Street, now Hampton, in Columbia, SC, opened to students in October 1859.

In 1865 during the height of the Civil War, the College closed as General Sherman’s troops approached Columbia but reopened in 1873. In 1904, the College dropped “Female” from its name and moved to Eau Claire after benefactors Frederick H. Hyatt and Col. John T. Sloan donated land.
 
In 1964, the campus survived a fire that destroyed the Old Main classroom building and the East Wing Dormitory. What remained of the columns became a symbol for the College and has since been incorporated into the logo.

Columbia College continues to serve as an institution for higher education with approximately 1,200 male and female students in both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Image of 4 c's steps with students
The vision of Columbia College is to empower our students to change the  world with Courage for Innovation, Commitment to Social Justice, Confidence through Service, and Competence in Leadership.

Core Values