Step-by-Step Instructions & Registration Form
If you are a student at another college and want to take courses at Columbus State with the intention of transferring them back to your own college, you are what we call a “transient student”. We welcome you to Columbus State and look forward to helping you on your educational journey!
Step 1: Apply to Columbus State
Your first step to taking classes as a transient student is to apply for admission to Columbus State, using our standard online application.
IMPORTANT: Please choose the following options so we can process your application correctly:
What's your educational goal: Take courses to transfer to my home institution where I will earn my degree
Career and Academic Pathway: Transient
Major: Transient
NOTE: If you have already applied to Columbus State and/or attended previously as a transient student, you DO NOT need to reapply. See instructions for retrieving your log-in information under Step 4.
Step 2: Meet with your advisor at your home college
You’ll want to determine which courses are right for your program of study at your home college, and work with your advisor to assure they will transfer in and apply toward your degree.
Step 3: Determine the Columbus State prerequisites course and course equivalents
Review Columbus State course descriptions, and choose the course(s) that work for your major and your schedule. Then, meet with the academic advisor at your school to discuss your plans and assure that the transfer will be seamless.
The online tool, Transferology.com can be used to find course equivalencies for many institutions. Select "Search for equivalent courses" to see how specific courses will transfer between Columbus State and your home institution.
Step 4: Access your Columbus State email and CougarWeb
Once you're accepted, you will receive an email with information on how to access your CougarID and set up your student email account. You will also use your student email username and password to register for classes through our course registration system, CougarWeb.
Previously accepted students: To retrieve your log-in information, use the "What's my username?" and/or "What's my password?" link at the bottom of the CougarWeb page.
Step 5: Submit the Transient Registration Form and your Unofficial Transcript or course documentation from your Home Institution
In order to self-register for courses at Columbus State, you must submit the Transient Registration Form. You can find the form by clicking the blue tab below. The form will require information including home institution, desired Columbus State course(s) including department name and course number (ie. MATH 1151), an attachment of documentation from your home institution which could include an unofficial transcript, degree audit, or advising report.
Click the blue button below to submit the Transient Student Registration Form for Summer 2023. For questions, visit the Transient Student FAQ. If you need further assistance, email transient@cscc.edu from your CSCC student email, and include your Cougar ID number so your record can be located.
Transient Student Registration Form
Step 6: Register for classes
Once you receive a confirmation email from the advisor in response to the Transient Registration Form, you will be free to register for those requested classes via CougarWeb. (Click here for a step-by-step registration video tutorial.)
Step 7: Finalize Financial Plans
- Resolve financial aid questions
Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home institution for questions about paying tuition at your home college while you attend Columbus State. You can also use financial aid from your home college at Columbus State. Transient Financial Aid - Pay Your Fees
All fees must be paid by the published Columbus State fee payment deadline dates. Learn more about payment options and payment plans offered by Columbus State.
Step 8: Send Official Columbus State Transcripts to home institution
After your final grades post, you will need to send an official transcript from Columbus State to your home institution. You can request to have your official transcripts sent via the Transcript Request Form on CougarWeb.
Want to Stay Longer?
If you decide to enroll for more than two consecutive semesters at Columbus State, please have your sealed, official transcript sent from your home institution (see Transcript Evaluation). Be aware that transcripts can take up to six weeks to process.
Also, you will need to change your enrollment status. This can be done by calling (614) 287-5353 or in person using a Student Information Update Form at one of our campuses or Regional Learning Centers.
Consult with an Academic Advisor if you intend to pursue a Columbus State degree or certificate.
Still have questions?
You can contact an Academic Advisor (please remember that if you email academic advising, you must use your Columbus State email for advisors to access your student account).