Get Started at Columbus State
A clear path from considering Columbus State to starting your first semester.
Jump to: 1: Deciding on CState | 2: Application & Onboarding | 3: Starting Your Semester | Need Help?
Phase 1: Deciding on Columbus State
- Find a Degree or Certificate: Associate degrees can prepare you to transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce directly after graduation. Certificates offer shorter-term training designed to help you gain skills quickly, advance in your current role, or prepare for another credential. CTA Link
- Explore Transfer Options: Plan to earn a bachelor’s degree? Columbus State offers hundreds of transfer agreements and nine Preferred Pathways with top four-year universities. CTA Link
- Explore In-Demand Careers: Explore majors in four in-demand fields: Healthcare, Information Technology, Logistics and Advanced Manufacturing. CTA Link
- Visit CState: Visiting campus is one of the best ways to experience Columbus State and learn about everything we offer. CTA Link
Phase 2: Application & Onboarding
- Apply to Columbus State: Applying to Columbus State is free and completely online. Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive information about your next steps by email. CTA Link
- Set Up Your Student Your Email: After you’re admitted, you’ll receive an email with your Cougar ID and instructions to activate your student accounts. All future emails will come to your CState email. CTA Link
- Log in to Workday: When you first log into Workday, you’ll be prompted to complete a series of new student onboarding tasks. Some will take only a few seconds. Other tasks can take days to complete because they require specific documents. CTA Link
- Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships: Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and other financial aid opportunities. Columbus State’s school code is 006867. And don't forget Scholarships! CTA Link
- Submit Transcripts & Test Scores: High school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores help Columbus State place you into the right classes and evaluate transfer credit. CTA Link
- Attend Orientation and a Course Scheduling Workshop: Complete your online orientation and attend a Course Scheduling Workshop before registering for classes. These sessions help you understand college expectations, explore support resources, and build your first-semester schedule with guidance from college staff. CTA Link
- Pay Tuition & Fees: Tuition and fees must be paid before the semester begins. In Workday, you can make payments, enroll in a payment plan, set up direct deposit, and review your account balance. CTA Link
Phase 3: Start Your Semester
- Explore Campus: We want campus to feel like home. Learn where to park, study, eat, attend class, and access essential resources. CTA Link
- Get Your Cougar ID CTA Link
- Get School Supplies CTA Link
- Access Blackboard and Attend Class: Blackboard, also known as Blackboard ultra, is Columbus State’s online learning system where instructors post assignments, announcements, grades, and course materials. CTA Link
- Find Events, Clubs & Activities: Getting involved helps you build connections and feel part of our community. Explore student organizations, campus events, and leadership opportunities through Cougar Connect. CTA Link
Need Help Figuring it Out?
Your Admissions Representative will help you determine if Columbus State is the smart choice for you (spoiler, we think it is!). They are experts in all things CState, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Find your rep at Contact Admissions.