- Columbia State Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution in southern middle Tennessee, is dedicated to providing access to collegiate education, promoting lifelong learning and supporting community development.
School Highlights
Columbia State Community College serves 6,803 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 45%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 6,803 students
- In-state tuition: $3,799
- Out-state tuition: $14,863
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 20:1
- Minority enrollment: 24%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Columbia State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 338 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Columbia State Community College
(TN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
338 staff
152 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia State Community College has grown by 7% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 has increased from 18:1 over five years.
The Columbia State Community College diversity score of 0.41 is less than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has grown by 22% over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,803 students
699 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
2,937 students
426 students
# Part-Time Students
3,866 students
273 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
680 students
504 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,937 students
426 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,866 students
335 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
195 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
4%
% Hispanic
8%
6%
% Black
6%
19%
% White
76%
55%
% Hawaiian
n/a
9%
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.65
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
27%
60%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
52%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,100
$29,000
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,799 is less than the state average of $5,176. The in-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $14,863 is less than the state average of $15,746. The out-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,799
$5,176
Out-State Tuition Fees
$14,863
$15,746
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
80%
97%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,500
$11,059
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,000
$5,000
Acceptance Rate
100%
71%
SAT Reading
455
455
SAT Math
420
448
SAT Writing
455
455
ACT Composite
19
19
ACT English
18
19
ACT Math
17
18
ACT Writing
18
18
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Columbia State, the first of Tennessee's community colleges, was founded in 1966. The college was temporarily housed in facilities throughout the city of Columbia until the present campus was occupied. On March 15, 1967, Lady Bird and Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated the Columbia campus. Today, the college serves close to 10,000 students per year in credit and continuing education courses and awards more than ten million dollars in financial aid. Five academic divisions offer students over 50 programs of study and the opportunity to earn a certificate, associate of arts, associate of science or associate of applied science degree. In addition to the Columbia campus, the college has locations in Lawrence, Marshall, Wayne and Williamson counties. Columbia State provides general transfer and career degrees, academic and technical certificates, developmental studies and continuing education opportunities at locations throughout the college's service area and online. The college promotes academic excellence with emphasis on student learning that builds knowledge, develops skills and broadens perspectives. In addition, Columbia State initiates partnerships in support of economic and community development and contributes to intellectual, cultural, physical and social advancement in its service area. Columbia State offers over 50 programs that can lead to a degree or certificate in Business & Technology, Developmental Studies, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science & Mathematics, Social Sciences, Education and Developmental Studies, Physical Education and University Partnerships. Columbia State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia State Community College cost?
Columbia State Community College's tuition is approximately $3,799 for In-State students and $14,863 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Columbia State Community College?
The acceptance rate of Columbia State Community College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 71%.
What is Columbia State Community College's ranking?
Columbia State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Tennessee for: Least expensive tuition and Largest student body.
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