Tennessee's first community college serving nine counties with 80+ programs and strong workforce outcomes.
Columbia State offers more than 80 academic paths organized into five divisions: Business & Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science & Math, and Written, Oral & Digital Communications. The college awards Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Science in Teaching, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Applied Science degrees, plus technical certificates. Students can pursue transfer pathways to Tennessee public universities or earn career-entry credentials in fields including nursing, radiologic technology, emergency medical services, and business administration.
Columbia State participates in Tennessee Transfer Pathways, allowing students to complete associate degrees and transfer seamlessly as juniors to any Tennessee public university with full credit application. The college also partners with Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University to offer bachelor's and master's degrees on Columbia State campuses, including programs in agribusiness, education, and interdisciplinary studies.
The college operates five campuses across southern Middle Tennessee and provides extensive student support services including tutoring, disability resources, mental health counseling, and career services. Students engage in over 15 clubs and organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, and discipline-specific groups. The college fields five NJCAA Division I athletic teams (baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, women's soccer) and offers intramural sports and wellness programs.
Columbia State welcomes traditional students, adult learners, transfer students, and English as a Second Language learners. The college offers flexible admission pathways, campus tours, and virtual events. Financial aid options include Tennessee Promise (tuition-free for eligible students), Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Hope Lottery, and institutional scholarships. Admissions counselors serve specific regional areas to support prospective students.
The college achieved a 91.58% job placement rate for 2021-2022 A.A.S. and technical certificate graduates and a 100% licensure pass rate for 2023 Paramedic graduates (national average 71%). In 2023-2024, Columbia State awarded 1,043 degrees and certificates. The college was named 2020-2021 Community College of the Year by the Tennessee Board of Regents SOAR Awards.