About Columbus State Community College
Students pay an average net price of $7,233 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $5,338. Low-income families pay even less, with net costs dropping to $5,386 for households earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $39,435 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $8,749. Monthly loan payments average just $93, making this an affordable path to career credentials or a four-year degree.
The student body reflects Columbus's diversity, with 43% white students, 24% Black students, and a slight female majority at 52%. Nearly all students come from Ohio, creating a strong local connection. The 25% graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their degrees. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention in their coursework.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,435
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
Winter coats are essential from December through March as temperatures regularly drop below freezing. The urban setting means no traditional campus quad or dorms - students scatter to jobs, families, and apartments after classes end. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates manageable class sizes despite the large enrollment. Many students work while attending since only 25% receive financial aid, making weekends a mix of studying, working, and family time rather than campus events.
The diverse student body includes 43% white students and 24% Black students, reflecting Columbus's demographics. Students often grab lunch at food trucks parked outside buildings or study in the library between shifts at local employers like Nationwide Insurance and Ohio State government offices.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–36°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.5%
- Women
- 52.5%
- White
- 42.9%
- Black
- 24.2%
- Hispanic
- 8.2%
- Asian
- 4.6%
- In-State Students
- 97.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.9%
Location
- Address
- Columbus, Ohio 43215
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,435
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $93/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,749
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Columbus State Community College?
Columbus State maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, making it accessible to most students who apply. With 17,128 students enrolled, the college serves as a major entry point for higher education in central Ohio. The diverse student body includes 42.91% white students and 24.21% Black students.
What does Columbus State Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,233 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,386 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $11,476. Only 25.88% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving both traditional and non-traditional students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbus State Community College?
The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for large community colleges. Columbus State operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on career-oriented programs. The college has built a strong reputation for healthcare, business, and technical training programs.
How much do Columbus State Community College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $39,435 ten years after starting college, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. Six years after enrollment, mean earnings reach $29,000. The college is known for producing skilled workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and business fields that drive Columbus's economy.
Where is Columbus State Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Columbus, Ohio's urban core, giving students access to internships and jobs in the state capital. With 97.15% of students coming from Ohio, the campus serves primarily as a commuter school. The student body splits almost evenly between men (47.52%) and women (52.48%).
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State Community College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 25.10%, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. Columbus State has carved out a niche as a transfer pathway to four-year universities and a direct route to employment. Students typically graduate with manageable debt, with a median of $8,749 and monthly loan payments of just $93.
