Principles of Excellence

• Prior to enrolling students, Columbia College works diligently to ensure the accreditation of all new academic programs.
• Columbia College offers students a customized Financial Aid Shopping Sheet, providing an overview of the total cost of a degree program.
• All Columbia College military and veteran education beneficiaries are furnished with an educational plan.
• Due to the unique challenges faced by servicemembers, Columbia College provides accommodations for student absence due to service obligations.
• Columbia College identifies a point of contact for students in regard to academic and financial advising.
• In compliance with federal policies, Columbia College’s institutional refund policies closely follow those of Title IV.
• To maintain compliance with federal programs, Columbia College does not permit dishonest or aggressive recruiting practices.

• Columbia College provides any student using GI Bill® benefits a personalized college financing plan. 
• Columbia College maintains public information on our website regarding tuition and fees, and the availability of scholarships and financial aid. 
• Columbia College informs any enrolled individual of the availability of federal financial aid including programs not administered by the VA, and alerts individuals of their potential eligibility for other federal financial aid before packaging or arranging student loans or alternative financing. 
• Columbia College does not automatically renew students into courses and/or programs. Students must actively register for their courses. 
• Columbia College allows previously-enrolled members of the military to be readmitted following suspended enrollment by reason of serving in the military and accomodates short absences for such services in the military. 
• Columbia College provides requirements for graduation and a graduation timeline to all admitted students. 
• Columbia College provides designated point of contacts seeking assistance with Academic Counseling, Financial Counseling, Disability Counseling, and other information regarding completing a course of education. 

The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditation in its Education program. Students may enroll in classes at the traditional campus in Columbia, Missouri, evening classes in Columbia, Missouri, or classes at one of the many Columbia College learning venues nationwide. Students may also enroll in online classes worldwide.

More accreditation information

Columbia College will provide an official educational plan for all students during their initial advising appointment which details the courses needed for degree completion and an anticipated graduation date. Official educational plans are created after the student has applied, been admitted to a specific program, and all prior transcripts have been evaluated.

An unofficial educational plan can be requested prior to application and admission by request at msc@ccis.edu. In the request, please include unofficial copies of all previous college and military coursework and the degree program you wish to pursue.

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Students who withdraw due to military reasons, such as an unexpected call to active duty or extended periods of TDY, will be given a grade of withdrawal excused (WE). The college will provide a 100% tuition reimbursement to the payee (military entity or student). 

Students may request a withdrawal excused (WE) when extraordinary circumstances prevent them from completing a term; all courses in which the student is enrolled (both land-based and online) must be included in the request. Extraordinary circumstances are narrowly interpreted to mean the development of unforeseen, unexpected circumstances beyond a student’s control. Examples of  extraordinary circumstances include serious illness, death in the immediate family, significant change in the location and/or conditions of employment.

If at the time of the request the student has reached the 60% completion mark of the course, the total tuition costs for the course will be charged. 

The College Financing Plan is a consumer tool that institutions use to notify students about their financial aid package. It is a standardized form that is designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so that they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.

The Net Price Calculator is available for incoming college students to estimate your individual net price to attend Columbia College before you apply. The calculator is a planning tool and is an estimate based on the information you provide.

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College Scorecards External link in the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center make it easier for you to search for a college that is a good fit for you. You can use the College Scorecard to find out more about a college’s affordability and value so you can make more informed decisions about which college to attend.

Scholarships, awards and grants are forms of "gift" assistance that do not require repayment. These awards are generally based on achievement rather than financial need. Scholarships available vary by campus and also vary in amount.

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Columbia College has never and will never use fraudulent and unduly aggressive recruiting techniques. We are dedicated to the pursuit of higher education and we believe in the dignity, worth and potential of each and every student. To enable all potential students to make the dream of higher education a reality, Columbia College embraces the attributes of civility and respect in all that we do. Columbia College understands and values the importance of solid academic advising and views it as a fundamental aspect of our responsibility in providing a quality academic experience for our students. 

Students having interrupted their attendance at Columbia College because of unsatisfactory progress or conduct may be readmitted when the following conditions are met:

1. The student must apply for re-admission after the period of suspension is completed.
2. The cause of the unsatisfactory progress or conduct must have deemed to be removed.

Re-admission to the college does not establish a student’s eligibility for financial aid. A student dismissed for unsatisfactory progress may request readmission after a three-year period has elapsed from the date of dismissal.