The admissions policy and practices of Columbia Southern University (CSU) do not discriminate against individuals based on age, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality, or disability. CSU administers educational policies, scholarship programs, and other programs, and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and students with disabilities as required by applicable laws. Applicants under the age of 18 must supply parental consent when entering into signed agreements with the University.

Please refer to the CSU website for additional details regarding Title IX.

General Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission must:

  • Complete an application, which includes, but is not limited to, a valid phone number, email, physical address, and Social Security number (SSN), if applicable.
  • Meet minimum admission requirements as outlined in the Admission Documentation Guidelines
  • Meet additional program requirements outlined in the specific College Guidelines

Homeschooled students must demonstrate successful completion of homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law in which the high school credential is earned. A detailed guide for meeting the CSU admission requirements is available in the CSU Homeschooled Admission Guidelines.

International students Applicants may self-certify that they have successfully completed the equivalent of grade 12 in a U.S. secondary school. They may also provide evidence of their successful completion of a program considered equivalent to an accredited high school diploma or GED certificate. If English is not their native language, they must show proficiency in it. A detailed guide for meeting the CSU admission requirements is available in the CSU International Admission Guidelines.

Other General Requirements

Student Identity Verification

CSU must confirm the identity of students registering in distance education programs. During the admissions process, applicants must submit a color image of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a state driver’s license, state identification card, or U.S. passport. CSU also holds the right to demand additional sources of identity verification, including the following:

  • SSN card
  • Utility bill less than 90 days old
  • W-2 tax form
  • Voter registration card
  • Current lease or rental agreement
  • Vehicle registration
  • Current Homeowner’s insurance policy with name and address

International applicants must submit a color image of a valid international government-issued driver's license, national/state/province identity card (including European ID card), or a valid international travel passport. They may also need to provide additional sources of identity verification, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Permanent Resident card
  • Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Card (I-766) (for those working in the U.S.)
  • Border Crossing card

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission allows applicants to enroll in a program for a limited time pending the receipt of required official transcripts.

  • For undergraduate programs, applicants who self-certify graduation from an approved high school program and/or those who must submit additional documents to meet programmatic requirements may complete up to 12 credit hours.
  • For graduate programs, applicants who have documentation of a conferred bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, or the equivalent, may complete up to six (6) credit hours.
  • For postgraduate professional and doctoral programs, applicants who have documentation of a conferred bachelor’s and master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or the equivalent, may complete up to seven (7) credit hours.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree seeking status is available to applicants who do not wish to pursue a degree, but are interested in taking courses for self-enrichment or professional development, or for those who have not yet earned a high school diploma, or its equivalent.

Applicants seeking to enroll in one or more courses as a non-degree seeking student are expected to meet the minimum admissions requirements for the specified course level and any prerequisite coursework required.

Non-degree seeking students are subject to the standard tuition rate. Non-degree seeking status is not eligible for Title IV and students currently enrolled in a secondary school are not eligible for Federal Student Aid (see FSA eligibility).

High School Graduates

Applicants who have completed high school must self-certify successful high school completion (or equivalent) and provide the school’s name, city, state, and year of graduation on the Columbia Southern University (CSU) application for admission.

The maximum number of credits that can be earned under a non-degree seeking status, as a high school graduate, is 12 credit hours. The student may then petition to be placed into a degree program.

High School Students

For applicants who are currently enrolled in high school, the requirements are as follows:

  • Completion of Columbia Southern University (CSU) application for admission
  • Completion of sophomore year of high school
  • Submission of current official high school transcript with a 3.00 cumulative GPA
  • A letter of approval from a parent or legal guardian
  • A letter of approval from a school official
    • Only required if the student seeks to apply college credit to high school graduation requirements
  • Meet any prerequisite coursework required for an individual course

Current high school students may enroll as non-degree seeking until such time a high school diploma, or its equivalent, is earned. The student may then petition to be placed into a degree program.

Denial/Conditional Probation Admission Decision and Appeal

CSU reserves the right to deny admission to applicants failing to meet admission requirements. Applicants might receive conditional admission or a probationary status, with their enrollment potentially limited to prove their capability to successfully complete college-level coursework. Factors considered in admission decisions may include, but not limited to, high school GPA, past academic performance at other post-secondary institutions, excessive course withdrawals, and other indicators of success.

Applicants who wish to appeal the admission decision may do so by providing additional information to validate their high school diploma or equivalency, or by submitting documentation that demonstrates extenuating circumstances during the period of substandard performance. This information, along with the completed Admission Decision Appeal Form should be sent to registrar@columbiasouthern.edu.

Exceptions to all Admissions requirements herein may be approved by the Dean of Students, College Dean, VPAA, Provost, or President.