High-Tech, Student-Centered Online CSU Education
Columbia Southern University appears in our ranking of the Top 10 Associate’s in General Studies Online.
Columbia Southern University is a great option for anyone looking to earn a degree entirely online. They have set the standard for online education for more than 25 years. The school offers 98 different online degree programs, and all of these are offered at a very affordable rate. The school is unique in that it not only offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, but graduate and doctorate programs as well. Columbia Southern prides itself in hiring professors who are experts within their field of study. These professors are available for one-on-one support and direct interaction with students, as well. This makes for a top-notch learning experience for CSU’s students. Graduates of the school have an edge in the competitive job market because of the successful way that Columbia Southern University prepares them for success in their fields. CSU currently offers more than 450 online courses. Columbia Southern has been nationally recognized for its integrity, rigorous academics, transparency, and high-caliber education.
Not only does the school offer a quality education, but they do it at a very affordable rate. On average, CSU’s tuition is less than half the cost of competitors. There are also many other ways to save on the already low tuition costs. These include scholarships, military tuition assistance, learning partnerships, and more. Additionally, the school boasts of $0 textbook costs.
Some of the most popular degree programs at Columbia Southern University include business administration, occupational safety and health, and fire science and fire fighting.
About Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University originated in 1993 when Robert Mayes, Sr. started an online B.S. Occupational Safety & Health degree to fulfill market demand. Three years later, it broadened into business and justice administration fields. On January 15, 2001, Columbia Southern achieved sought-after accreditation for excellence. The next year, the “Military Friendly” school was approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In 2003, it launched the first Hybrid MBA with online and Ho Chi Minh City courses. In 2006, CSU was among the U.S. Army’s first selected colleges for the Central Tuition Assistance Management program. In 2009, Columbia Southern University opened its 67,000-square-foot Orange Beach headquarters. Merged with Waldorf University in 2010, it created the for-profit Columbia Southern Education Group in 2012.
Worth over $100 million, Columbia Southern University now actively enrolls 15,530 undergrad and 5,912 post-grad Knights from 30 countries fully online. The school also offers seven clubs for those who are interested. These clubs include the Students Veteran Association and the American Criminal Justice Association. In 2017, CSU received the Blackboard Catalyst Award for Exemplary Online Courses. In May 2018, Columbia Southern was positively profiled by the National Safety Council’s Safety & Health Magazine. On Niche, CSU was ranked Alabama’s 14th best education value. The SR Education Group recognized Columbia Southern University for the 10th most affordable online associate degrees nationally. College Factual also positioned CSU 154th for diversity, 112th for human resource management degrees, and 105th for information technology programs.
Columbia Southern University Accreditation Details
Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). They are accredited to award certificates as well as associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. CSU is also an institutional member of the American Council on Education (ACE). This group influences public policy through research, advocacy, and program initiatives. They are also accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Columbia Southern University Application Requirements
Getting into Columbia Southern University is classified as “non-competitive” by Peterson’s. It was ranked this way because 100 percent of the 9,276 Fall 2017 applicants were accepted for easy open enrollment. First-year Knights still must have completed grade 12 in accredited secondary schools or the equivalent. The Alabama Department of Education requires an overall GED score of 600 or higher. Students who have been home schooled for their high school years are admitted on a conditional basis until 12 credits are finished. This method requires “C” grades or better in the Learning Strategies, English Composition, College Math, and Science courses. Upholding GPAs above 1.99 is expected. Freshmen generally need a minimum 18 ACT, 440 SAT Math, or 440 SAT English mark. College transfers can receive credit for up to 15 accredited courses. International students need a 61 TOEFL iBT, 6.0 IELTS, or 44 Pearson Test of English score. If completing the ESL Exam Series, the minimums are 85 Language Use, 80 Listening, 85 Reading, and 90 Sentence Meaning.
Columbia Southern University offers rolling admission year-round for its LifePace Learning format online. However, if you’re looking to enter in a specific term, then it is best to check the website for current admission dates, as these are frequently updated based on the coming semesters. When you apply, be sure to submit the CSU Application online with the $25 priority evaluation service fee. The Admissions Department requires test reports by SAT code 3878 or ACT code 7061. Supplemental materials might include the professional résumé, one paragraph essay, veteran documentation, international visa, English proficiency test, and GED certificate. It is always a good idea to contact the department of your program of interest in order to know exactly what needs to submitted with your application. You can find out more by contacting (800) 977-8449 or TeamSucceed@ColumbiaSouthern.edu.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2019-20, Columbia Southern University has priced online associate tuition at $270 per credit. This is for undergraduate programs. The per credit cost for graduate programs is $349, and doctoral programs are listed at $545 per credit hour. The Learning Partner discount can bring the per credit fee for these programs down to $243, $314, and $490, respectively. Undergrads will pay the $35 library fee each term. The one-time graduation fee equals $100. Some incur the $19 remote proctor fee, $50 late enrollment fee, $25 IHMC fee, and $35 change of program fee. Full-time CSU tuition is $6,015. If you take advantage of the Learning Partner program, the total tuition fee will be less. In addition to tuition assistance, Learning Partner program participants can take advantage of exclusive scholarship opportunities. There is a $0 application fee for this exciting and rewarding program. The school offers many payment plans, which help to make it an accessible and affordable education. These include weekly, biweekly, monthly, and full payment plan options. All textbooks, textbooks, and learning resources are included with tuition costs.
There are many scholarship opportunities for online students at Columbia Southern University. These include:
- Forever a Hero Scholarship
- Military Spouse Scholarship
- Concerns of Police Survivors Scholarship
- Safety Scholarship
- Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship
- Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship
- Knight Scholarship
- Atlanta Fire Rescue Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Learning Partner Scholarship
This concludes our profile of Columbia Southern University.
Continue reading about Columbia Southern University at the Online Degree Programs website.
Updated Summer 2024
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