Admissions requirements at Columbia College

We make the admissions process easy. Choose what degree you want to pursue, how you want to learn and get started today. 

Associate and bachelor’s degrees at Columbia College

Associate and bachelor's degrees give you real-world skills employers seek. Columbia College programs are grounded in a liberal arts education to also prepare you for the workplace of tomorrow.

Questions? We make it easy to apply. If you need help at any point, do not hesitate to contact Admissions.

Nursing program admissions

Nursing programs have additional admissions requirements.

Associate in Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN

Choose how you want to take your classes

Students seeking admission to our online program, evening program in Columbia, Missouri, or at a venue nationwide should have completed one of the following:

  • High school
  • High school equivalency test (GED, HiSET, TASC)

Admissions process

  1. Apply

    Complete the free application for admission.

    Apply now 

  2. Complete the High School Attestation Form

    Students are not required to provide proof of high school completion for admission. Instead, students complete one of the High School Attestation Forms [1] to confirm they have completed high school or a high school equivalency exam (GED, HiSet, TASC). If eligible this information can be submitted on the application

    General Attestation Form Homeschool Attestation Form

    Note: Students residing in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas are not eligible to complete the attestation form for admission. Applicants in these states must provide one of the following to Admissions@CCIS.edu:

    • Unofficial high school transcript [1]
    • Unofficial college transcript [1] (at least 6 credit hours)
    • GED, HiSET or TASC score [1]

  3. Get help paying for college

    Paying for college on your own is not your only option. Successful college students often qualify for federal financial aid and leverage scholarship opportunities.

    To find out if you’re eligible for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

1 All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment. This includes Advanced Placement, CLEP, and DSST credits. Send official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar at EvalTrans@CCIS.edu or by mail: 1001 Rogers St., Columbia, MO 65216.

Certain degree programs have additional admissions requirements, and further documentation may be required.

Complete your application for admission

The ability to self-report the information below is now included on the online application. Please fill out the information with a transcript in front of you to ensure accuracy of the information reported. Please see Undergraduate Academic Catalog for more information on self-report policies.

Incoming freshmen at the traditional campus should have:

  • A 3.0 or higher high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

Or:

  • 2.5 or higher high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or comparable GED or HiSET score [1]

Plus one of the following:

  • 21 or higher on the ACT or 1070 or higher on the SAT
  • Rank in the top 50 percent of your graduating class
  • Have successfully completed 12 units of college preparatory work with a grade of “C” or higher

Incoming Transfers at the traditional campus should have:

  • A 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA with 24 or more completed college credit hours
 Make a deposit

1 All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment.

 
 
  • Submit separate transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended to EvalTrans@CCIS.edu or
    Columbia College Office of the Registrar—Evaluations,
    1001 Rogers St.,
    Columbia, MO 65216
  • Students transferring to the traditional campus in Columbia, Missouri, should have a cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • If you want to enroll in a class that requires a prerequisite course, you may be asked to submit college transcripts showing you’ve successfully completed the prerequisite
  • Students who enroll in 12 or more hours on the traditional campus will be considered full-time. Enrolling as a non-degree student does not negate the residence hall requirement.
  • Submit transcripts from any college attended after Columbia College.
  • Contact the admissions office to see whether you must re-submit transcripts from previous years of study.
  • Returning students will be automatically assigned to the current catalog year. You may choose to use your previous catalog year if it is within the past eight years

In addition to our traditional campus in Columbia, Missouri, international students requiring an F-1 student visa are also able to apply to one of the following locations:

  • Denver, Colorado
  • Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Elgin, Illinois (upper-level transfer students) 

International admissions

  • Demonstrate English proficiency 
  • Submit documentation to receive form I-20

See international admissions requirements.

Submit your FAFSA

Financial aid can provide funding to help you pay for college. This includes grants, which do not have to be repaid, and low-interest loans. To find out whether you are eligible for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Use Columbia College school code 002456.

Submit FAFSA
 
 
 

Take the next step

Submit your application to start the admissions process. Applying is easy and completely free of charge.

Apply to Columbia College today at no cost
Apply with the Common Application
 
 

What's next: