Mission & Vision

Mission: Columbia State Community College nurtures success and positively changes lives through teaching, learning and service.

Vision: Columbia State will be the “1st Choice” for citizens of South Central Tennessee seeking post-secondary learning and hailed as outstanding by students, community partners, and national benchmarks as a student-ready college.

About Us

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities to our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Columbia State offers more than 80 Academic Paths and has friendly faculty and staff who care that you have a great college experience. We offer both traditional and online courses, in both credit and non-credit formats. At Columbia State you can earn a degree that can take you straight into the workforce or that can transfer to the college or university of your choice.


Columbia State is known for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Our athletics program includes women's soccer, women's and men's basketball, softball and baseball. We are a member of the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA).

The College is also home to popular Middle Tennessee arts venues such as the Cherry Theater and the Pryor Art Gallery.

The Facts

There are FIVE locations throughout southern Middle Tennessee.

Columbia State serves a nine-county area in Middle Tennessee: Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Hickman, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Wayne and Williamson

Retention and transfer rates are among the highest in the Tennessee. Graduation is everyone's focus.

Columbia State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Columbia State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

More than 85% of faculty hold advanced degrees.

More than $10 million in financial aid awarded each year.

Traditions:

  • College colors - green and white
  • Mascot - the Charger
  • Wednesdays - students, faculty and alumni show support by wearing green