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Undergraduate Admission Requirements Policy

This policy sets out the requirements for admission to Columbia College for undergraduate study.

This policy applies to applicants for admission to the Traditional Campus, evening program in Columbia, MO, Online program, and local venues nationwide. Please see the Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate Student Policy and the  International Student Admission Policy for admission procedures as a non-degree seeking or an international student at Columbia College.

Columbia College enrolls students who have both the desire and ability to succeed in a rigorous teaching and learning environment. The College invites applications from students who have demonstrated they are likely to complete the College’s broad-based general education curriculum and to successfully complete an undergraduate major. Many factors are considered in the admission decision, but previous academic achievement is the best predictor of success at Columbia College.

Columbia College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law in the administration of its educational policies, admission, financial assistance, employment, educational programs or activities.  Columbia College reserves the right to deny or rescind admission at its sole discretion. Please note that Columbia College reserves the right to use photographs of its students in publications & media that promote the college.

By submitting an application, applicants are giving their express written consent for Columbia College to contact them regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text - including use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to the wireless number provided.  Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services, and applicants may always call us directly at 573-875-7515 or 877-999-9876.

Columbia College’s mission is to provide quality education in a variety of flexible formats to fit the needs of all of our students.  As such, by submitting an application, applicants understand their program may require a combination of in-seat and online coursework and may not be available at all locations.

In compliance with the Clery Act, the College discloses crime statistics for crimes committed on campus, in certain off-campus buildings, or on property owned/controlled by the College during the last three years.  The Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report can be obtained in paper copy by contacting the Campus Safety Office and electronic versions can be obtained by visiting the reports and statistics page .

Columbia College reserves the right to randomly check any and all applications for a criminal, suspension or dismissal history. Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor conviction(s) must provide details regarding the crime(s).

The College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant and to deny and/or rescind admission to any applicant who provides false or misleading information to the College.

Admission Deadlines

Columbia College has a rolling admissions policy and allows applicants to submit applications anytime throughout the academic year. However, priority processing deadlines may mean that applicants who submit their materials after the stated dates may not be reviewed for admission or may have to postpone enrollment to a later start term. Admission priority processing deadlines are as follows; please visit the academic calendar to see dates for each academic year.

Applications remain active through the semester in which an applicant applies. If an applicant is not admitted to the term to which they apply, then the application will be withdrawn, and the applicant must reapply for readmission.

Main Campus Day Priority Deadlines

• Domestic applicants should submit completed applications (including required supporting materials) no later than two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester and no later than three weeks prior to the start of the spring semester.
• International freshman applicants should submit completed applications (including required supporting materials) no later than four weeks prior to the start of the fall or spring semesters.  
• International transfer applicants should submit completed applications (including required supporting materials) no later than two weeks prior to the fall semester and no later than three weeks from the start of the spring semester. 
• Applicants who do not meet admission criteria who will be required to go through the Application Review Committee should submit all application materials no later than three weeks prior to the start of the fall semester and no later than four weeks prior to the start of the spring semester.

Online and Nationwide (Including  Main Campus Evening) 

There is no deadline for admission. Applicants can apply & be reviewed for admission at any time. Please note, applicants applying within two weeks of the start of a session may not have time to complete all admission requirements or get financial aid in place before the start of the session.

Admission Procedures

To be considered for admission to the Columbia College, an applicant’s file must include the materials outlined below. All unofficial documents should be submitted electronically to [email protected] ; faxed to 573-875-7506; or mailed to Recruiting & Admissions Division, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216. Documents supporting college readiness must be provided to the Recruiting & Admissions Division before admission review. 

Unofficial transcripts should be submitted from the institution’s student portal and include the following: the applicant’s first name, last name, name of the institution, courses completed by semester/term, grades by semester/term, GPA by semester/term, cumulative GPA, and cumulative credits earned. Editable documents, linked documents, screenshots, etc. will not be accepted for admission review.

If an applicant makes an error on their application, additional documentation may be required in order to correct the error. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Department for more information.

Note: All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment for further registration eligibility. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically to EvalTr[email protected] or mailed to Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

The moderately-selective requirements for admission to the Main Campus Day Program are not applicable to the Columbia College Global (CCG) campuses. See Campus Maps for a map of the all Columbia College Locations. 

Every applicant to any Columbia College program or Location, must complete the following steps for admission review. Additional requirements may apply to specific applicant status (i.e. non-degree, readmit, international, etc.). See specific applicant status policies below for more information.

• Submit a completed application
• Provide proof of college readiness ( Note: Admission requirements may vary by Location. See policies below) 

Columbia College welcomes home schooled applicants at all Locations. Home School applicants must complete all Admissions Procedures. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for more information. 

Student Authentication

All Columbia College students are required to authenticate their identity as part of the enrollment process. See the Admissions Authentication Policy . 

Admission Requirements

Online and nationwide admission criteria.

To be reviewed for admission to any of our nationwide locations, the Main Campus Evening program, or the Online program of Columbia College, students must complete the Admissions Procedures and provide proof of college readiness by presenting of any one of the following: 

• Evidence of high school completion via the High School Attestation Form or Home School Attestation Form [2]
• Evidence of successful high school completion by submission of an unofficial High School transcript [2]  or 
• Evidence of successful completion (with score information) of the General Educational Development Test (GED), HiSET, or TASC or 
• For residents in Florida, Texas, and Washington only: evidence of a minimum of 6 credit hours of satisfactory college work from an accredited & accepted institution by submission of unofficial college transcript. (Non-credit courses, developmental courses, career and/or trade school credit does not satisfy this requirement).

Note: Based on information provided on the application, additional documents such as an ACT/SAT score, a resume containing professional experience, or certifications may be required. International student applicants may have additional required documents. See the International Student Admissions Policy  for more information.

2 Attestation forms apply to applicants residing in all US states, with the exception of Florida, Texas, and Washington. Students in these states would need to provide proof of college readiness by presenting one of the other qualifying credentials. Applicants who attended an international high school are not eligible to use the attestation forms.

Main Campus Day Program Admission Criteria 

Columbia College is committed to holistic review of applicants and thus, has been and will continue to be test-optional for admission [3] . New Freshman applicants for the Main Campus Day Program who believe their test scores are an accurate reflection of their academic abilities are welcome to submit them for admission consideration. If they choose not to, applicants will be reviewed on GPA, college prep curriculum and/or class rank. [4]  

3 Test scores may still be required for some academic scholarships.

4 International applicants may still be required to submit test scores.

To be reviewed for admission to the Main Campus Day Program at Columbia College, students must complete the Admissions Procedures and demonstrate the appropriate college readiness indicated by their student applicant stage. 

Admission is generally granted to applicants with a 60 HiSET score or 500 GED after 2014 (2500 GED prior to 2014). Applicants who do not present the minimum requirements for admission may be considered for admission through the Admissions Review Committee process (see Admissions Review Process). Students will be admitted as either New Freshman, Transfer Freshmen, or Transfer. Please see sections below for specific requirements for each type of applicant.

New Freshman

Students with less than twenty-four post-high school earned college credits are considered freshmen applicants. Admission is generally granted to high school applicants with no previous college credit (excludes high school dual enrollment/dual credit) who follow a college preparatory curriculum and meet the following requirements: 

Applicants with no post-high school, attempted/in-progress college credits must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the following criteria:

• 2.5 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale and
• 21 ACT or 1060 SAT score or rank in the top half of their graduating class or
• Four units of English
• Three units of Mathematics (two years of algebra and one year of geometry)
• Three units of Science
• Two units of Social Studies

Note: Applicants with a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale who do not have/meet rank, test score, or core class requirements will be reviewed for admission. Domestic applicants only.

Applicants who have completed high school more than two years from the time of admission review are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission consideration. However, these scores are also used for freshman course advising and scholarships.

Transfer Freshman

Applicants with less than twenty-four post-high school (excludes high school dual enrollment/dual credit), earned college credits must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the following criteria: 

• New Freshmen requirements (GPA and ACT/SAT requirements only) and
• Transfer Students requirements

Transfer Students 

Students with more than twenty-four post-high school (excludes high school dual enrollment/dual credit), earned college credits are considered transfer applicants. Transfer applicants must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the following criteria: 

• 2.0 cumulative GPA, which includes all credit attempted at all institutions attended.

All official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment for further registration eligibility. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

Early-Out Admission Criteria 

Main Campus Day Program students of exceptional ability may apply for admission to Columbia College following completion of their junior year of high school and after having earned 15 high school credits. Applicants for early-out admission must complete the Admissions Procedures for standard admission as well as arrange for a personal interview with the Admissions Review Committee. Students must show an academic record which reflects readiness for college-level work. Consent of the high school principal and parents is required. Admission is contingent upon approval by the Admissions Review Committee.

Non-Degree Seeking Students 

The non-degree seeking status is designed for part-time students who do not seek an academic degree at Columbia College. For more information on non-degree seeking student status and admission criteria, please see the Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate Student Policy . 

High School Dual Enrollment

High school students (freshman through senior) have the opportunity to take college courses for credit while completing high school. For more information on the program and the admission criteria, please see the High School Dual Enrollment Policy .  

Admission Policies Pertaining to Special Programs

Special programs at Columbia College may require additional admission steps and requirements. All applicants must complete the Admissions Procedures outlined below as well as the additional requirements to apply directly to the special program. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for further information at 573-875-7515 or 877-999-9876 or [email protected].

Teacher Certification Programs

Columbia College offers a variety of teacher certification programs. All candidates for the teacher certification programs are expected to meet general admission requirements to Columbia College. (See Admissions Requirements for more details.) Not all programs for teacher certification are available at all Columbia College locations. See specific program details in catalog and on the College website . Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for more program specific information.

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the teacher certification course sequence. 

Admission to the teacher certification program is on a moderately selective basis. Additional details regarding selection criteria for the teacher certification course sequence is available on the Teacher Certification page . 

Beacon Program

The Beacon Program is a certification program designed so that students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their desired content area and certification in their desired grade level. Students complete all degree and certification requirements at the undergraduate level. 

When completing the online application, students who wish to pursue Elementary Education Certification have two degree:

• Choose the ‘Bachelor of General Studies for Elementary Education Certification’ that includes the Elementary Education Certification Minor and Elementary Education Content Area Minors in Language Arts, Mathematic/Science, and Social Studies. Students must complete all minors to earn this degree. 
• Choose a degree in a content area (i.e. human services, psychology, art, etc.) and add the Elementary Education Certification Minor. 
• Students who choose to pursue Middle School or Secondary Education Certification will select the content area/major (i.e. math, English, science, etc.) on the online application. Students will then select a minor in a certification area of middle school, secondary, art k-12 or music k-12. 

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the teacher certification course sequence.

Admission to the teacher certification program is on a moderately selective basis. Certification students must apply and be accepted into the Teacher Certification Program before enrolling in most education courses above EDUC 300. Additional details regarding selection criteria for the teacher certification course sequence is available on the Teacher Certification page .

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Undergraduate post-bacc.

The Columbia College Undergraduate Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program (UPB.CERT) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue teacher certification but not a master’s degree. This program is available through the main campus in Columbia as well as at two nationwide locations - Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis, Missouri. (Not all certificate options are available at all three campus locations.) Post baccalaureate students are only eligible for take courses required for certification. Non-certification courses are not covered by federal financial aid.

To be reviewed for admission to this certification program, students must complete the Admissions Procedures and provide proof of program readiness by presenting the following:

• Completed bachelor’s degree
• 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA (this includes all courses taken at any undergraduate institution)

All official college transcripts should be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to: Office of the Registrar, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

Recent graduates from Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for the undergraduate post baccalaureate program. Students must reapply to the UPB.CERT program and must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the Readmission criteria for admission review.

Master's Post-Bacc

The Columbia College Master’s Post Baccalaureate program (MAT.PB) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue teacher certification along with a master’s degree. (This program, with graduate level courses is currently only offered through the main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at the Lake Ozark or St. Louis locations may be admitted if they wish to commute to enroll in graduate courses.)

Students interested in applying to the Master’s program must follow the graduate admissions procedures as outlined in the graduate catalog.

Associate of Science in Nursing 

Columbia College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program offered at two Locations - in Columbia Missouri and the Lake of the Ozarks. The program is open to individuals who have no prior nursing education and to those who hold a Licensed Practical Nursing license.

All candidates for the nursing program are expected to meet general admission requirements to Columbia College. (See Admissions Requirements for more details.) 

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the ASN course sequence. 

Admission to the ASN program is on a selective basis. Cohort sizes and selection deadlines vary by Location. Additional details regarding selection criteria for the ASN course sequence are available online on the ASN page . 

RN-to BSN Program 

Columbia College offers a fully only RN-to-BSN program to help working registered nurses obtain a bachelor degree. The RN-to-BSN degree program may not be available in specific states. Please visit the RN to BSN page  for more specific info. 

To be reviewed for admission to this degree program, students must complete the Admissions Procedures above and provide proof of program readiness by presenting the following:  

• Completed associate degree in Nursing
• Successful completion of the National Counselor Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses

Proof of program readiness is typically provided by college transcripts and a copy of the RN License.

Recent graduates from Columbia College with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree are eligible to apply for the RN-to-BSN online program. Students must reapply to the RN-to-BSN program and must complete the Admissions Procedures and meet the Readmission criteria for admission review. Additional documents may be required after admission which will be collected by the Nursing Department.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Main Campus Day Program) 

Columbia College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at the Main Campus Day Program in Columbia, MO. Students are admitted to Columbia College first and then must meet additional selection criteria to be considered for the BSN program.

All candidates for the BSN program are expected to meet general admission requirements to the Main Campus Day Program. (See Admissions Requirements for more details.)

Note: Acceptance to Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance to the BSN course sequence. 

Admission to the program is on a selective basis. Cohort sizes and selection deadlines vary. Additional details regarding selection criteria for the BSN course sequence is available online at BSN page .

Certification Programs 

Columbia College offers a variety of certificate programs and eligibility to enroll varies by program. Please see specific certificate sections for enrollment criteria. Note that the majority of certificate programs are non-degree seeking status. The non-degree seeking status is designed for part-time students who do not seek an academic degree at Columbia College. Students who wish to apply for non-degree seeking status must complete the non-degree seeking application for admission. Acceptance as a non-degree certificate seeking student is not automatic. Additional and separate criteria may apply to different certificate programs for admission review. Please see specific certificate sections for admission criteria.

Enrollment as a certificate, non-degree seeking student neither guarantees automatic admission to degree-seeking status, nor does it necessarily impact an admission decision. Students enrolling at Columbia College under this non-degree certificate status may be considered for degree-seeking status in a subsequent semester by completing the full degree-seeking application process. Non-degree seeking students cannot change/update to degree seeking in the middle of an academic semester.

Non-degree seeking certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Certified Medical Assistant

Students interested in the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certificate have the opportunity to take college courses for credit while working with a partner hospital. Eligibility is based on a partnership between Columbia College and that particular hospital. Courses will be taken online. The CMA certificate is a non-degree program and not eligible for financial aid. Contact the Recruiting & Admissions Division for information about current hospital partners.

Note: The CMA certificate has a paper application & do not need to complete the online application. The paper application will be provided by the partner hospital.

To be reviewed for admission to this certificate, students must complete the Admissions Procedures above and provide proof of program readiness by presenting one of the following:

• 2.5 Cumulative high school GPA
• 2.0 Cumulative College GPA
• Satisfactory score on the HESI A2 ® test (Proficient or higher level required)

Proof of program readiness is typically provided by high school or college transcripts. Items required will be collected by the hospital representative and submitted to Columbia College by agreed deadline.

Crime Scene Investigation Certificate  

The Crime Scene Investigation Certificate (CSI) is available only at the Main Campus Day program, Online and St. Louis location. The CSI certificate is a non-degree program and not eligible for federal financial aid. 

To be reviewed for admission to the CSI certificate, students must complete the Admissions Procedures and provide proof of program readiness by proof of the following: 

• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from another regionally accredited school.

Current Columbia College students do NOT need to reapply to this program; current students can declare this program in the self-service portal in myPortal. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

Business Certificates 

Business Administration undergraduate certificates are available in three business administration fields: management, marketing and human resource management. These certificates are only available at our nationwide & online locations and only current degree-seeking Columbia College students are eligible to add these to their current program of study.

Other Admission Policies 

International applicants have additional requirements and guidelines (see International Student Admission Policy ). Proof of English proficiency is required for all international students and non-native English speakers (see English Proficiency Requirement ).  

Readmission applicants have additional requirements and guidelines (see the Readmission Policy ).

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Early Decision Deadline for Fall 2024

The deadline for first-year candidates for Fall 2024 to apply Early Decision is Wednesday, November 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. (applicant's local time).

While it is most important that candidates submit their admissions application by the November 1 deadline, we understand that counselor and teacher recommendations and transcripts may arrive after the deadline. Applicants may review their status portal to track their materials.

Students personally affected by natural disasters, community or personal disturbances or other extenuating circumstances this fall are invited to email us at [email protected] if their application will be arriving late. Please see more about deadline flexibility for extenuating circumstances .

If you have any questions, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at 212-854-2522, or at [email protected] .

• Admissions & Financial Aid

Undergraduate Timeline & Dates

• 312-369-7130
• Appointment
• Virtual Events
• Campus Visits
• Second Bachelor's
• Returning Students
• Nondegree Seeking

Admissions Timeline and Dates

Prospective Undergraduate Students: Spring and Fall 2024

You’re interested in Columbia, and we want to help you join our creative community. Below, you’ll find a timeline of important dates and info to keep you on track with the admissions process.

Each prospective student is different; we encourage you to contact us to discuss your next steps toward becoming a Columbia student so we can answer your questions.

Application opens for Spring and Fall 2024

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Columbia College Chicago’s Admissions Review Committee will release its first-round of decisions for early applicants in late-October 2023. Thereafter, an admissions decision will typically be released within four weeks of completing the application and submitting all required materials. We do not offer an early decision or early action option, but we encourage students to apply as early as possible. Visit colum.edu/apply for more information.

Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive instructions for how to access Columbia Connect . Columbia Connect will be your hub for everything related to your application and enrollment process at Columbia.

Spring 2024 applicants (domestic only) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

File your 2023-24 FAFSA using Columbia’s school code: 001665. You will also want to file the 2024-25 FAFSA when it becomes available (See December). Visit colum.edu/sfs for more information.

Estimated financial aid packages become available for Spring applicants

Students admitted for spring who have submitted the FAFSA will begin receiving their estimated financial aid packages. These electronic letters are an initial summary of your federal, state, and institutional financial aid and include an estimated cost of attendance. For more info following the receipt of your financial aid summary, visit colum.edu/awardletter .

Complete the financial aid process

Student Financial Services will begin sending notices regarding any additional documents that may be required to complete the financial aid process. Admitted students will be able to view any outstanding documents needed on Columbia Connect.

The Spring 2024 applicaiton closes

The Spring 2024 application will close on November 15, 2023.

Application deadline for Acting (BFA); Musical Theatre Performance (BFA); Contemporary, Jazz, and Popular Music (BMus); and Music Composition (BMus) applicants

All pre-screen audition and portfolio matierals, transcripts, and a completed application are due on December 1, 2023. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can find submission requirements at colum.edu/bfa Students who are selected to continue in the process for these degree programs will be notified about scheduling an audition/interview in January.

Fall 2024 applicants (domestic only) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

File your 2024-25 FAFSA using Columbia’s school code: 001665.

Application deadline for all other BFA programs

All audition and portfolio materias, transcripts, and a completed applicatoin are due by January 17, 2024. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can find submission requirements at colum.edu/bfa

Scholarship deadline for all BA and BS programs

All audition and portfolio materias, transcripts, and a completed applicatoin are due by January 17, 2024. Work sample requirements will vary based on your intended major field of study. Applicants can visit colum.edu/fra for a complete list of requirements.

Spring semester begins

The Spring 2024 semester will begin on Monday, January 22

Apply for housing

The housing application will become available in April for students who have submitted their $250 tuition deposit. It will remain available unitl August 1 for students who deposit later. Housing cannot be guaranteed for students who apply after July 1. The application requires a $500 deposit. Columbia expects new freshmen students coming from outside the Chicago metro area to live on campus during their first year. Housing assignments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can indicate preferences for room type on the housing application, but these preferences cannot be guaranteed. You can view floor plans and photos of available housing at the Housing and Residential Experience website.

National College Decision Day

May 1, 2024, is National College Decision Day. New students are encouraged to confirm their attendance by submitting a $250 tuition deposit on or before May 1. The deposit is nonrefundable after May 1. If you cannot deposit by this deadline, please let us know.

Register for classes

Students who have confirmed their attendance can begin the registration process with the Registration Questionnaire, found on Columbia Connect . Your advisor will use your responses on the questionnaire to create a draft of your first-semester schedule. You’ll have a chance to discuss your schedule with your advisor and make any necessary changes once you've received it.

Return your housing contract

Housing contracts are sent out on a rolling basis beginning in June. To receive a housing contract, you must be admitted to the college and complete a housing application. Visit colum.edu/residencelife for more information.

Submit final high school and college transcripts

Students with academic work in progress at the time of admission are required to submit official copies of all final transcripts from their high school, junior/community college, or university to Columbia’s Admissions office. High school transcripts must indicate a graduation date. Late transcripts can complicate registration, financial aid, and payment for your first semester.

Finalize your financial plan

Many students and families use resources beyond those offered on the Financial Aid Award Letter to support their educational goals. Learn more about these resources—such as loans and employment-sponsored tuition plans—along with our payment plan options at colum.edu/createaplan .

Receive your roommate assignment and move-in date

Students who intend to live on campus who’ve completed housing contracts will begin receiving room assignments, roommate information, and move-in dates. Visit the Housing and Residential Experience site for more information.

July–August

Attend orientation.

All new students are required to participate in Orientation activities. Visit colum.edu/newstudents for more information.

Submit payment or establish a payment plan

By August 1, 2024, students must either pay in full for any portion of their bill not covered by secured financial aid or establish an automated payment plan. Students who register for classes after this date will have seven calendar days to establish payment arrangements. Visit colum.edu/paymentplan for more information.

Move in to on-campus housing

If you’re going to be living in on-campus housing, assigned move-in dates will be in late August or early September. Visit the Housing and Residential Experience site for more information.

New Student Convocation

Before classes start, our New Student Convocation will showcase the talents of our student and alumni community. The annual event features an assembly with President Kwang-Wu Kim, a student services exposition showcasing clubs, organizations, and more, and a catered party with live bands and performance art.

Fall 2024 semester begins

The Fall 2024 semester will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Requirements & Deadlines:

• Nondegree-Seeking
• International Undergraduate Students
• International Graduate Students
• Test-Free Admissions
• Virtual Tours
• Getting to Columbia
• Self-Guided Tours

Additional Information:

• BFA/BMus Portfolio and Audition Requirements
• Faculty Recognition Award Requirements
• Undergraduate Student
• Graduate Student
• Financial Aid
• Undergraduate Timeline
• Graduate Timeline & Dates
• Planning your Transfer
• First-Generation Students
• International Admissions Staff
• Transfer Admissions Staff
• All Admissions Staff
• Undocumented Applicants
• Achieve Columbia

Educational Partnerships:

• Columbia College Chicago and Illinois Tech Course Exchange Program
• Columbia College Chicago and Lake Forest College Course Exchange Program

Application Deadlines

2024 application deadlines:.

Ph.D./Ed.D. -  December 1, 2023 Ed.M./M.A./M.S.  

• November 15, 2023 (Spring )
• January 15, 2024 (Summer/Fall Priority) 
• April 1, 2024  (Summer/Fall Final) or Rolling, depending on program

Advanced Certificate   - Deadlines vary Non-Degree - Deadlines Vary

Some of our programs have different deadlines than the above. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the Office of Admission receives all required materials by the application deadline.  To determine the priority and final application deadlines for your intended program, search for the program name and degree below.

View the application deadlines for your desired program and degree below.

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Rolling Admission

If your program offers rolling admission , applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as rolling programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.  Programs with rolling admission officially close their Summer applications on June 1 and Fall applications on July 1.

International Applicants

In order to provide enough time for visa processing, applicants who will require a student visa to attend Teachers College must submit their application by the deadlines below. Please note that many programs accepting applications for Summer/Fall have Priority or Final application deadlines that precede these dates. If your program has an earlier deadline than what is listed below, you must abide by the program deadline.

Spring:  October 15 Summer:  February 1 Fall:  June 1

CSPA Important Dates and Deadlines

FALL CONFERENCE

2023 Fall Conference Monday, November 6, 2023

2024 Fall Conference Monday, November 4, 2024

2025 Fall Conference Monday, November 5, 2025

SPRING CONVENTION

2024 Spring Convention Wednesday, March 13; Thursday, March 14; and Friday, March 15, 2024

2025 Spring Convention Wednesday, March 19; Thursday, March 20; and Friday, March 21, 2025

2026 Spring Convention Wednesday, March 18; Thursday, March 19; and Friday, March 20, 2026  

SUMMER JOURNALISM WORKSHOP 2023 Summer Journalism Workshop IN-PERSON: Sunday, June 25, through Friday June 30, 2023 VIRTUAL: July 10-14 / July 17-21 | July 24-28

2024 Summer Journalism Workshop IN-PERSON: Sunday, June 23, through Friday June 28, 2024 VIRTUAL: TBD 2025 Summer Journalism Workshop IN-PERSON: Sunday, June 23, through Friday June 27, 2025 VIRTUAL: TBD

CSPA MEMBERSHIP AND CONTESTS

2022-2023 Dates for Membership and Contests for Publications and Media

Membership deadline for news/magazine/digital media/yearbook: August 15, 2023Membership deadline for fall delivery yearbooks: October 16, 2023

Please note that only CSPA members can enter contests and receive Medalist Critiques.

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April 9, 2024

Envision yourself here

Not quite ready to apply? Our top recommendation is to get a feel for campus by scheduling a visit. Talk to professors, meet students, and explore our beautiful campus in the capital city. 

Learn what we're about

We can also send you more details about the Columbia College experience. Simply fill out a brief form to learn more about what we have to offer. 

Study what you love

Take a look at our undergraduate, graduate, and online and evening degrees. At a small college, you have the personalized attention to tailor your studies and do what you love. 

Ask your questions

Have other questions? Reach our admissions team. They love talking to interested students like you. 

Making the College Decision

• Explore Degrees

Paths for Big Ambitions

Join the Honors Program

Explore our honors program—designed for motivated students who want to engage in deeper ways of learning. Graduate with distinction and clearly demonstrate to future employers and graduate schools that you go the extra mile. 

A Solid Investment in Yourself

Behind the Stat

Get the skills employers want. Graduate ready for a rewarding career.

Where reasonable tuition meets high-quality education.

I owe my career success to Columbia College. My college research opened the door to a local and national conference, where I won awards and also landed an internship in Silicon Valley.

— Pragya Tripathi

Class of 2013

Have questions?

Connect with our admissions team. We're here to make the admissions process as smooth as possible.

Keep Exploring

Scholarships, financial aid, tuition & cost, veterans benefits.