Invest in a Future That Pays You Back
Earn a degree from a respected, accredited private institution with more than 170 years of history shaping confident, capable leaders. We believe a Columbia College education should be both powerful and personal, and we're here to help you make it affordable.
Every student's financial situation is unique. Our team will partner with you to understand your goals, estimate your true cost, and maximize every opportunity for scholarships, grants, loans, and student work programs. You'll never navigate the financial process alone. We'll guide you step-by-step so you can focus on what matters most: building your future.
Start Planning With Support
Let's figure out the smartest way to invest in your education. Reach out to our team to get personalized information about paying for college, scholarships and grants you may qualify for, and what your actual cost could look like after aid.
You can also explore your estimate on your own using our Net Price Calculator. Two easy ways to get started:
Estimate Your Cost Now Cost of Attendance
Want to talk to someone? Call us at 803.786.3871.
Family Attending Too? Even Better.
When two or more family members enroll at the same time, each student receives a 10% annual family tuition discount. Family success is a team effort; we celebrate it here.
On-Campus Undergraduate Tuition
Columbia College is committed to keeping a private, liberal arts education within reach for students and families. Our tuition and financial aid model is designed to balance affordability with the investments needed to deliver a high-quality academic and student experience. Through a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment, most students receive financial support that significantly reduces the cost of attendance.
Nearly 90 percent of our undergraduate students receive financial aid, allowing them to attend Columbia College at a cost that is often comparable to, or lower than, many public institutions.
Undergraduate Annual Tuition and Other Costs
- Full-Time Tuition: $24,734.00
- Part-Time Tuition: $821 per semester hour
- Resource & Technology Fee: $1,760 (Full-time)/$880 (Part-time per semester)
*The resource and technology fee supports all areas of students' academic success, including textbooks, tutoring services, general IT assistance, computer lab maintenance and upgrades, and library database access. Students receive free e-books but can purchase or rent physical copies for an additional cost.
On-Campus Housing Costs (per semester)
- Standard Double: $3,025
On-Campus Meal Plan Costs (per semester)
- 19 meals/week: $2,656 (Required for Residential Students)
- 10 meals/week: $2,481 (Residential Seniors and Commuters Only)
Housing Details Dining Details
Online Undergraduate Tuition
Online
Advance your education anywhere, anytime with our 100% online degrees. We also accept up to 90 credits for transfer, so you can complete your degree in less time at a lower cost.
- Tuition
- 2026-2027: $427 per credit hour
- Resource & Technology Fee*
- Summer 2026: $27 per credit hour
- Fall 2026-Spring 2027: $51 per credit hour
*The resource and technology fee supports all areas of students' academic success, including textbooks, tutoring services, general IT assistance, computer lab maintenance and upgrades, and library database access. Students receive free e-books but can purchase or rent physical copies for an additional cost.
Graduate Tuition
We offer online graduate programs at a highly competitive rate of $630 per semester hour. Advance your career, increase your earning potential, or change careers with a Columbia College graduate degree.
- Graduate Tuition
- 2026-2027: $630 per credit hour
- Resource & Technology Fee*
- 2026-2027: $27 per credit hour
*The resource and technology fee supports all areas of students' academic success, including textbooks, tutoring services, general IT assistance, computer lab maintenance and upgrades, and library database access. Students receive free e-books but can purchase or rent physical copies for an additional cost.
Other Resources
Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan
South Carolina's 529 college savings plan, Future Scholar, can be an important resource for paying for qualified college expenses, such as tuition, room and board, textbooks, and computers. Visit the Office of the State Treasurer's website for more information about the many benefits of this savings program.