Columbia State Community College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Columbia State Community College
As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State has a reputation for practical, transfer-ready academics in a close-knit setting. Students build strong foundations in the sciences, creative fields, business and technology, along with general education that ties it all together. Faculty favor hands-on learning, and the support network covers tutoring, advising and writing help so no one has to navigate alone.
The Columbia campus mixes modern labs, a quiet library, a performance venue and student commons where clubs gather, plan service projects and just hang out. You'll find arts nights, speaker series and easy access to the Duck River, nearby parks and a historic downtown. Career services connect students with internships, job fairs and regional employers, and the Nashville-area market doesn't hurt. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, with a community-minded streak and local traditions like Mule Day shaping the rhythm of the year.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Columbia State Community College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Tennessee. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $73,430 | -$21,040 (-22.3%) |
Health (9)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0809
Anesthesiologist Assistant.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $44,720 | $36,860 | -$7,860 (-17.6%) |
51.0904
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
29-2042 | Emergency Medical Technicians | $44,790 | $36,710 | -$8,080 (-18%) |
29-2043 | Paramedics | $60,610 | $46,640 | -$13,970 (-23%) |
51.0905
Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
29-2033 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $99,690 | $88,410 | -$11,280 (-11.3%) |
51.0907
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
29-1124 | Radiation Therapists | $110,820 | $82,840 | -$27,980 (-25.2%) |
29-2034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $79,760 | $60,470 | -$19,290 (-24.2%) |
29-2036 | Medical Dosimetrists | $141,420 | $131,460 | -$9,960 (-7%) |
29-2099 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $56,370 | $40,090 | -$16,280 (-28.9%) |
51.0908
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
29-1126 | Respiratory Therapists | $84,260 | $63,680 | -$20,580 (-24.4%) |
29-2099 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $56,370 | $40,090 | -$16,280 (-28.9%) |
51.1004
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
29-2012 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | N/A | N/A | N/A |
51.2706
Medical Informatics.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $103,690 | -$48,620 (-31.9%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $64,230 | -$52,470 (-45%) |
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $73,430 | -$21,040 (-22.3%) |
29-9021 | Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $73,410 | $77,660 | +$4,250 (+5.8%) |
51.3801
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1072 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,090 | $79,650 | -$7,440 (-8.5%) |
29-1141 | Registered Nurses | $98,430 | $72,090 | -$26,340 (-26.8%) |
Business (3)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $150,210 | -$112,720 (-42.9%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $105,080 | -$28,040 (-21.1%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $115,760 | -$45,170 (-28.1%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $109,390 | -$16,640 (-13.2%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $93,090 | -$21,430 (-18.7%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $113,110 | -$16,070 (-12.4%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $86,960 | -$29,050 (-25%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $132,060 | -$24,170 (-15.5%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $110,430 | -$50,050 (-31.2%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $139,650 | -$940 (-0.7%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $111,510 | -$8,150 (-6.8%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $67,950 | -$19,110 (-22%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $85,010 | -$1,090 (-1.3%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $43,990 | -$26,630 (-37.7%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $72,910 | -$76,980 (-51.4%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $69,260 | -$13,900 (-16.7%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $63,190 | -$16,540 (-20.7%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $79,340 | -$8,260 (-9.4%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $90,480 | -$17,620 (-16.3%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $101,670 | -$13,040 (-11.4%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $70,340 | -$12,580 (-15.2%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $80,770 | -$11,610 (-12.6%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $108,000 | -$5,840 (-5.1%) |
52.0904
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $93,090 | -$21,430 (-18.7%) |
11-9051 | Food Service Managers | $72,370 | $63,500 | -$8,870 (-12.3%) |
11-9081 | Lodging Managers | $77,460 | $54,770 | -$22,690 (-29.3%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $80,770 | -$11,610 (-12.6%) |
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0101
Education, General.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $64,190 | -$14,310 (-18.2%) |
25-9042 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0000
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0201
Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
27-4011 | Audio and Video Technicians | $61,370 | $39,010 | -$22,360 (-36.4%) |
27-4015 | Lighting Technicians | $70,000 | $73,630 | +$3,630 (+5.2%) |
Computer & IT (3)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0103
Information Technology.
(Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $127,020 | -$60,970 (-32.4%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $80,890 | -$31,070 (-27.8%) |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $90,780 | -$36,950 (-28.9%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $103,690 | -$48,620 (-31.9%) |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $108,200 | -$27,690 (-20.4%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $135,470 | -$7,150 (-5%) |
15-1252 | Software Developers | $144,570 | $108,890 | -$35,680 (-24.7%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $74,660 | -$35,600 (-32.3%) |
15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $123,580 | -$1,010 (-0.8%) |
11.0901
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $127,020 | -$60,970 (-32.4%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $80,890 | -$31,070 (-27.8%) |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $90,780 | -$36,950 (-28.9%) |
15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,610 | $85,790 | +$6,180 (+7.8%) |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $108,200 | -$27,690 (-20.4%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $106,330 | +$500 (+0.5%) |
Agriculture (1)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
01.8301
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
29-2056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $46,280 | $37,060 | -$9,220 (-19.9%) |
31-9096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,990 | $33,550 | -$5,440 (-14%) |
Eng. Technologies (2)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0000
ENGINEERING/ENGINEERING-RELATED TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS.
(Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-3021 | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $86,330 | N/A | N/A |
17-3022 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $68,450 | $62,860 | -$5,590 (-8.2%) |
17-3023 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $78,580 | $61,180 | -$17,400 (-22.1%) |
17-3024 | Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $75,710 | $53,480 | -$22,230 (-29.4%) |
Security & Safety (1)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0104
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $64,640 | $71,100 | +$6,460 (+10%) |
25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,820 | $66,210 | -$18,610 (-21.9%) |
33-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $82,260 | $80,920 | -$1,340 (-1.6%) |
33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $110,990 | $63,690 | -$47,300 (-42.6%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Columbia State Community College
How much does it cost to attend Columbia State Community College?
The annual tuition at Columbia State Community College is $4,904 for in-state students and $18,104 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $6,704 for in-state students and $19,904 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,170 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,800.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Columbia State Community College offer?
Columbia State Community College offers 28 academic programs across 11 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (3 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Columbia State Community College?
Columbia State Community College provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,342 and average loans of $5,425.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $2,879
- State/Local grants: $3,839
- Institutional grants: $4,557
- Federal loans: $5,425
The university supports 1,043 students with grants and 30 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Columbia State Community College graduates?
Columbia State Community College graduates earn a median salary of $35,400 after 6 years and $40,256 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,723 (25th percentile) to $59,308 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $59,700 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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