Your Future. Fully Online. Entirely Yours.
At Columbia College, we believe graduate school should meet you where you are and elevate where you're going. Our fully online graduate programs are designed for working professionals who want to lead with purpose, grow their impact, or pivot into a new chapter with clarity and confidence.
Whether you're returning to school or continuing your journey with us as an alum, you’ll find a community that sees your potential and supports your next move, every step of the way.
How To Apply
Getting started is simple, and we'll guide you through it all.
1. Complete the Online Application
Select your intended graduate program and your preferred start term right in the application. Most programs offer Fall and Spring cohorts, and some include Summer options (see chart below).
You can save your progress and return at any time.
2. Upload Your Transcripts
You can upload unofficial transcripts directly into the application portal to receive an admissions decision. If accepted, official transcripts will be required before registration.
If you’ve taken previous graduate-level coursework, you may also request a review for up to 9 hours of transfer credit (grade of B or higher required).
3. Submit Additional Materials (If Required)
We don’t require test scores (GRE/GMAT) or resumes. However, depending on your GPA or program, we may need a few more items to complete your file:
- Cumulative GPA-Based Requirements
GPA
Additional Materials Required
3.5 or higher No additional documents required 3.0 – 3.49 Submit a written essay (see details below) 2.5 – 2.99 Essay + a brief meeting with the Program Director Below 2.5 Essay + meeting + two letters of recommendation - Essay Instructions
Your essay is your opportunity to help us understand who you are beyond transcripts. It’s a space to reflect on your experiences, goals, and the impact you hope to make through your graduate studies. Choose one of the following prompts and share your story with honesty and purpose.
Essay Prompts (Choose One)
Prompt 1:
What inspired you to pursue this graduate program, and how do you envision it shaping your future—both professionally and personally?Prompt 2:
Describe a moment in your personal, academic, or professional life that fundamentally changed how you think, lead, or serve others. What did you learn, and how has it shaped your path forward?Prompt 3:
What does leadership look like in your field, and how do you hope to embody it through your graduate studies and future career?Formatting Requirements
Length: 2–4 full pages
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
Spacing: Double-spaced
Margins: 1 inch
Include your prompt number in the title
No cover page required
Submit your essay as a PDF to documents@columbiasc.edu
or upload it directly in your application portal.A Quick Tip
Be authentic. We’re not looking for perfection, we’re looking for you. Use this essay to highlight your growth, your goals, and how Columbia College fits into your story.
- Program-Specific Requirements
If you're applying to the Educational Administration & Leadership program, you'll also need to upload a copy of your valid South Carolina teaching license, showing at least two years of teaching experience.
Program Start Terms
Choose your preferred start date when you apply. Here's when each program accepts new students:
Graduate Program | Start Terms |
| Business Administration (MBA) | Fall & Spring |
| Criminal Justice | Fall & Spring |
| Divergent Learning | Fall Only |
| APEC (Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification) | Summer Only |
| Educational Administration & Leadership | Fall Only |
| Healthcare Administration | Every Eight Weeks |
| Higher Education Administration | Fall Only |
| Organizational Leadership | Fall & Spring |
| Trauma-Informed Education | Fall, Spring & Summer |
Tuition & Financial Support
Columbia College offers one of the region's most competitive tuition rates, plus free e-books for all enrolled students.
| Tuition (2025–2026) | $630 per credit hour |
| Resource & Technology Fee* | $27 per credit hour |
*That fee supports your access to online systems, tutoring, IT support, and digital learning materials
Payment Options Include:
- Federal financial aid (FAFSA code: 003430)
- Alumni and partner discounts
- Employer tuition reimbursement support
- Flexible monthly payment plans
What Happens After You’re Accepted?
Once you’re admitted and confirm your intent to enroll, we take care of the details. Our admissions team will:
- Finalize your student account setup
- Verify receipt of any outstanding documents (official final transcripts are required)
- Connect you with a member of our Online Advising Team
Your advisor will personally guide you through orientation, help you register for courses, and make sure you’re fully prepared for your first day of class.
You're not just joining a program, you’re joining a community that wants to see you win.
You Belong Here.
You’re not applying to check a box. You’re applying because something inside you knows it’s time to grow, to rise, to do more with the gifts you’ve been given.
We’re here to help you do exactly that.
Footnote:
While AI tools (like ChatGPT) may support early brainstorming, all submitted application materials, especially essays, must be your own original work. Submissions that do not reflect your authentic voice or violate academic integrity standards may be disqualified.
