Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina Β· City: MidsizeOfficial Website β†—

#1334
Nationally
#18
In South Carolina
96%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$15,980
Annual Tuition
per year
53%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
1,268
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
53/100
Good
#1334 nationally
#18 in South Carolina
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes53
πŸ’°Affordability65
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth57

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Columbia College is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Columbia, South Carolina. With 1,268 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 96%, the institution is considered accessible. Annual tuition is $15,980, significantly below average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $17,549 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 53%, which is average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate96%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
2,163
Applied
2,072
Admitted
204
Enrolled
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$15,980/yr
Room & Board$9,510/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$26,255/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$15,980↑ Above avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$17,549
$30,001 – $48,000$18,782
$48,001 – $75,000$18,205
$75,001 – $110,000$22,170
Over $110,000$22,707
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate53%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
1,268
Total Undergrads
82% F / 18% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 38%
Hispanic 11%
Black 37%
Asian 2%
Two or more 0%
International 1%
Native / Other 1%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($15,980/yr) is well below the national average for private nonprofit colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (96% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Small campus environment (1,268 students) β€” more personal attention and close-knit community
Consider
  • Β·Data on some metrics is not yet available β€” contact the admissions office for details
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationColumbia, South Carolina
SettingCity: Midsize
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$17,549
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#18
in South Carolina out of 7+ colleges
#1334
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.