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Columbus State University

Columbus, GA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

5,537
Total Students
$6K
Tuition (In-State)
$17K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
99%
Acceptance Rate
42%
Graduation Rate
6-year
73%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Columbus State University

From junior college to a vibrant university, Columbus State champions arts education and diverse academics.

Columbus State University began its journey in 1958 as Columbus College, a junior college housed in a former hosiery mill. Starting with just fifteen faculty and nearly 300 students, it quickly laid the foundation for a dynamic educational institution. By 1963, the growing college moved to a modern campus in midtown, soon earning four-year status in 1965 and graduating its first bachelor's class in 1970. This remarkable growth culminated in its renaming to Columbus State University in 1996, reflecting its expanded role within Georgia's university system.

Today, Columbus State is celebrated for its comprehensive offerings, spanning over ninety academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels. A cornerstone of its identity is the innovative RiverPark Campus in downtown Columbus, a dedicated hub for the fine arts. Here, students in art and theatre find a tightly-knit living and learning community, benefiting from spacious studios, advanced laboratories, and impressive galleries designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

The university's commitment to the arts is further showcased by the esteemed Schwob School of Music, which finds its home in the magnificent RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, adjacent to the RiverPark Campus. Beyond its artistic strengths, CSU offers a robust student experience, evidenced by its enrollment of over 8,200 students as of 2010. Prospective students and families will discover a university that has transformed itself into a modern, engaging institution dedicated to academic excellence and vibrant campus life.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1958 as Columbus College, evolving into a comprehensive university.
  • ✦Offers over 90 academic disciplines for undergraduate and graduate studies.
  • ✦Features the unique RiverPark Campus in downtown Columbus, dedicated to fine arts students.
  • ✦Home to the prestigious Schwob School of Music, located in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
  • ✦Enrolled over 8,200 students as of the 2010 academic year.
  • ✦Renamed Columbus State University in 1996 as part of a state university system restructuring.

Timeline

1958
Opened as Columbus College, a junior college, in a former hosiery mill.
1963
Relocated to a new, modern campus in midtown Columbus.
1965
Granted four-year status, beginning to offer bachelor's and master's degrees.
1970
The first four-year class graduated from Columbus College.
1996
Renamed Columbus State University as part of a state university system restructuring.
2007
Art and theatre departments moved to the newly built RiverPark Campus in downtown Columbus.
2023
Dr. Stuart Rayfield began her tenure as president of the university.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Columbus State University

🏫

Schwob School of Music

A prestigious music school housed in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, providing dedicated facilities for music education.

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