About Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University is a private and primarily distance learning institution focused on professional and academic success through an innovative academic environment. Earn your degree at the undergraduate or graduate level completely online. CSU seeks to change student’s lives with the help of qualified faculty, academic support and more.
Online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs are available to the degree-seeking, nontraditional student. CSU provides flexible enrollment options as well as self-paced scheduling opportunities. Earn your degree in business, information technology, health, general studies, and more. Take advantage of competitively low tuition, certificate programs, and a quality learning experience with Columbia Southern University online.
Accreditation & Licensing
Columbia Southern University is accredited by:
Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Type:
4-year, Private for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 21,967 ; Graduate: 8,458Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 100% ; Graduate: 100%Graduation Rate:
33%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$63,534Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,339Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
28%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$4,295Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Columbia Southern University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Engineering
Healthcare
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia Southern University
Is Columbia Southern University accredited?
Yes. Columbia Southern University is institutionally accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
How many online programs does Columbia Southern University offer?
Columbia Southern University offers 133 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Columbia Southern University offer?
Columbia Southern University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Columbia Southern University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Columbia Southern University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Columbia Southern University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Columbia Southern University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Columbia Southern University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Columbia Southern University military friendly?
Columbia Southern University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Columbia Southern University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Columbia Southern University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Columbia Southern University accept life experience credit?
Columbia Southern University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Columbia Southern University programs fully online or mixed?
Columbia Southern University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Columbia Southern University offer?
Columbia Southern University has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Healthcare, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Columbia Southern University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Columbia Southern University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Columbia Southern University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Columbia Southern University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Columbia Southern University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Columbia Southern University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Columbia Southern University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Columbia Southern University is located in Alabama
Alabama at a Glance:

Top Majors in Alabama:
Top Incentives in Alabama:
- Alabama Student Grant Program: Up to $1,200 annually
- Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program: Up to $1,000 per semester
- Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program: Up to $5,000 loan repayment
Top Career Pathways in Alabama:
- Entry Level: Clinical Manager ($58,000)
- Mid Level: Hospital Administrator ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CAHME
- Entry Level: Systems Engineer ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Engineering Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Aerospace Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP
- Entry Level: Production Supervisor ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Plant Manager ($90,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Business Administration
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PMP
