What makes our undergraduate admissions different?
- Rolling Admissions — Apply anytime, and once admitted, we'll help you secure your spot quickly.
- Test-optional — ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission
- Free application — No application fee, ever
- Affordable — Over 90% of students receive financial aid, and early applicants access the best scholarship opportunities.
How do I apply?
1. Start Your Free Online Application
Applying is simple and always open. Use our Columbia College application or the Common Application — whichever works best for you. You can save your progress, return anytime, and check your status as you go.
Choose your student type during the application:
- First-Year Student: Still in high school or graduating soon? You're a first-year applicant. (AP or dual-enrollment credits still count!)
- Transfer Student: Taken courses at college or university after high school? You're a transfer student. Review our transfer process.
- Readmission Student: Previously attended Columbia College within the past five years? Welcome back, submit the readmissions form.
Unsure where you fit? We'll help you choose the right path.
2. Request Your Transcript
Have transcripts sent directly from each school you've attended. If you've already earned college credits, we'll review them for transfer eligibility. View Transfer Requirements.
3. Optional Steps
- Submit Recommendations
Ask your high school guidance counselor to submit a letter of recommendation. We also ask that you submit a recommendation from a teacher who taught you in English, math, history, science, or a foreign language course during 11th or 12th grade.
Letters of recommendation can be sent through the common application or to documents@victoriada.com.
- SAT & ACT Scores
Your SAT or ACT score is required if you are applying for a scholarship, but it is not required to apply to Columbia College. Use our school code 5117 to share your SAT scores, and use school code 3850 to share your ACT scores.
Have questions? Reach us at 800.277.1301, admissions@victoriada.com, or contact a member of our admissions team directly.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Columbia College
1301 Columbia College
Columbia, SC 29203
How do I know I'm eligible to apply?
First-Year Student
To be eligible for admission as a freshman, you should be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent. We recommend 16 or more college preparatory academic courses should be earned in the following:
- English (2 courses)
- Laboratory Science (2 courses)
- Foreign Language (2 courses)
- Algebra I and II
- Geometry
- and U.S. History, World History, Social Sciences, Advanced Mathematics, or Natural Sciences.
Non-Degree Seeking Student
When applying as a non-degree-seeking student, please note the course you are applying for in your application. You must submit an application for each semester you are a student and you'll be required to pay your course fees before you register.
Second Degree Student
If you are applying for a second degree you'll be required to submit official transcripts from every institution you have attended since graduating high school.
