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 College System of Tennessee, which is governed by 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. Columbia State has been recognized both in the state of Tennessee and nationally for our committment to student success. Learn more about our Awards.
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.
Values:
These values guide and direct Columbia State as we pursue our vision.
Access
Community
Excellence
Innovation
Integrity
Learning
Respect
Success
Our Foundation
Student success at Columbia State is defined as the completion of educational, professional and personal goals resulting from increased knowledge and skills. Success encourages lifelong learning, promotes responsible citizenship and enhances the quality of life for self and others.
Our Responsibility
Columbia State intentionally cultivates a climate which values every individual student, employee and community member and fosters success for all. We recognize and embrace individual differences through a culture of listening and empathy to achieve excellence, including social and economic opportunity.
Traditions:
- College colors
The college colors were traditionally known as green and white. Today’s branding includes a primary forest green, with secondary colors of kelly green and navy, as well as accents of white and black.
- Mascot - the Charger
A Charger is a historical term for a warhorse. Chargers were ridden by knights in battle and were trained to be strong, fast and fearless.
- Wednesdays - students, faculty and alumni show their Charger spirit by wearing green.
Locations
There are Four campuses throughout southern Middle Tennessee.
Service Area
Columbia State serves a nine-county area in Middle Tennessee: Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Hickman, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Wayne and Williamson.
The College System of Tennessee
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Accreditation
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.