Columbia State Community College: $4,904 Tuition

$4,904Tuition

3,679Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,256Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Columbia State Community College

Columbia State Community College serves 3,679 students in Columbia, Tennessee, a town about 40 miles south of Nashville. The college operates on a traditional semester system and focuses on preparing students for transfer to four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce. With 98% of students coming from Tennessee, this is truly a local institution that understands the needs of Middle Tennessee residents. The student body is 61% female and reflects the region's demographics, with strong representation from working adults returning to school.

Students pay an average net price of $4,576 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in Tennessee. In-state tuition runs $4,904 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $40,256 ten years after starting, which represents solid earning potential for a two-year degree. Most students graduate with just $8,500 in debt, and monthly loan payments average only $90. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income students.

The college offers five varsity sports through the NJCAA with 122 student athletes competing for $390,021 in athletic scholarships. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for a community college. The 31% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Columbia State Community College serves as a practical starting point for students in middle Tennessee who want career training or transfer preparation without the heavy debt load of four-year schools. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get more personal attention than at large universities, though the 30.80% graduation rate shows that many students face challenges completing their programs. The college offers strong workforce development programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and business that connect directly to local employers in the Nashville region. Students typically graduate with just $8,500 in debt, making this an affordable option for earning credentials or completing general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,256

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,956
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$44,858
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$37,328
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$28,816
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$28,443
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,565
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$24,267

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

Columbia State sits in a small Tennessee town about 45 miles south of Nashville, giving students access to Music City without the big campus crowds. The school serves 3,679 students on a compact campus where you'll recognize faces after your first semester. With 61.43% women and 98.03% in-state students, most people are from middle Tennessee and many already know each other from high school.

The campus feels more like a large high school than a traditional college. Students typically commute from home since there's no campus housing, which means the social scene happens in classes, study groups, and the student center between periods. Weekends often involve driving to Nashville for concerts or staying local for outdoor activities like hiking at nearby state parks. Tennessee's mild climate means you'll need a jacket in winter but can wear shorts most of the school year. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, and with only 122 total athletes across 5 sports, games feel more like community events than major spectacles.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	1	0	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–48°F
July Avg: 66°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 110.6"
Annual Snowfall: 5.2"

Student Demographics

Columbia State draws students from across Tennessee who want affordable education close to home, with 98% coming from in-state. The student body is about 60% women, reflecting strong programs in nursing and health sciences that traditionally attract more female students. About 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families who need budget-friendly options. Most students are local residents balancing school with jobs or family responsibilities. The college has built a reputation as a practical choice for career training and transferring to four-year schools without breaking the bank.

Men: 38.6%
Women: 61.4%
White: 71.7%
Black: 7.6%
Hispanic: 10.9%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 98.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.0%

Location

Columbia State Community College sits in Columbia, Tennessee, about 45 miles south of Nashville. The school draws 98.03% of its 3,679 students from within Tennessee, making it a true local institution. Columbia is the seat of Maury County and has a small-town feel with a population around 40,000. The area is known for its antebellum homes and historic downtown square. Students get the benefits of a close-knit community while staying within driving distance of Nashville's job market and internship opportunities. The town-fringe setting means you're not in a bustling college town, but you're also not isolated in a completely rural area. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Columbia State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Columbia, Tennessee 38401

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,256
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,026
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $90/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Columbia State Community College?

Columbia State maintains an open admission policy typical of Tennessee community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The college serves 3,679 students primarily from Tennessee, with 98% coming from in-state. Founded in 1966, the school has built a reputation as an accessible entry point to higher education in Middle Tennessee.

How much does Columbia State Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,576 annually, making it one of the more affordable college options in Tennessee. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,657 on average. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class communities in the Columbia area.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbia State Community College?

The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but allows for more personal attention than large universities. Classes operate on a semester system, giving students flexibility to balance work and education. The school is known for its career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Columbia State Community College?

Graduates achieve a 93.1% employment rate, demonstrating the college's strong connections to local employers. Alumni earn a median salary of $40,256 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical, job-ready training the college provides. The school has built relationships with regional businesses and healthcare facilities that actively recruit Columbia State graduates.

Where is Columbia State Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Columbia, Tennessee, a town-fringe setting about 45 minutes south of Nashville. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting trends in community college enrollment nationwide. The campus offers five varsity sports through the NJCAA with 122 total athletes, creating a modest but active athletic presence.

How manageable is student debt at Columbia State Community College?

Graduates who borrow money leave with a median debt of just $8,500, lower than four-year college averages. Monthly loan payments average $90, making repayment manageable on typical graduate salaries. Only 5.4% of students take federal loans, as many can afford the low tuition without borrowing or receive sufficient financial aid.