Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Columbia Southern University?: A: Columbia Southern University is an accredited private online university established in 1993 to meet the needs of the adult learner. Programs are offered online, allowing the non-traditional student to honor their career and family commitments while steadily progressing toward their educational goals.
Q: Where is Columbia Southern University?: A: Columbia Southern University is located in Orange Beach, Alabama, a progressive, coastal resort community on the upper coast of the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the Alabama/Florida state line.
Q: Is Columbia Southern University licensed and accredited?: A: CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled in Columbia Southern University programs?: A: With an enrollment of more than 19,000, CSU students are typically between 25 to 45 years of age. Nearly half of these are active military students.
Q: How many students have graduated from Columbia Southern University?: A: Over the past 16 years, roughly 9,000 degrees have been awarded by Columbia Southern University.
Q: How much do Columbia Southern University courses cost?: A: The Columbia Southern University tuition rate is one of the most competitive rates available. The per semester hour rate for undergraduate courses is $195, $260 for graduate courses, and $295 for doctoral courses. The tuition rate for graduate courses per-credit hour is $250 for all active-duty Military Servicemembers. The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250. Textbooks are provided at no additional charge.
Q: Is tuition assistance available for military students?: A: Tuition assistance is available to all Active Duty, Active Guard/Reserve, and Military and Civilian personnel of the Army National Guard, through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), which qualifies active duty military personnel for tuition reimbursement. CSU is also approved for Veterans’ Educational Benefits. Eligible participants may apply for benefits by calling the VA Office or visiting their website.
Q: What types of programs does Columbia Southern University offer?: A: CSU offers associate, bachelor, graduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields including business administration, information technology, human resource management, fire science and occupational safety and health. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available.
Q: What are the benefits of enrolling in Columbia Southern University?: A: Flexible programs and open enrollment give students the opportunity to begin courses at anytime and study when it best fits their schedule. Additional CSU student benefits include competitive tuition rates, textbooks at no cost, maximum transfer credit, quality programs and personalized service. Faculty and staff closely follow the university’s principles of providing excellent student service and an adaptable learning format for the working professional. Courses are offered in an accelerated 8-week or 10-week format.
Q: How can I contact Columbia Southern University?: A: Office hours at Columbia Southern University are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. Contact numbers are (800) 977-8449 toll free or (251) 981-3771 locally.