Columbia Southern University is continually taking steps to enhance our online degree programs and our services to students. These enhancements range from revising courses and releasing new technology in our portals to increasing full-time faculty positions and expanding student support personnel.
After careful consideration, CSU will be adopting a modest tuition increase in 2017. Undergraduate courses will be $220 per credit hour and Master’s courses will be $290 per credit hour. The increase in tuition will not affect the graduate tuition rate for active-duty military students as that rate is capped at $250 per credit hour.
The new tuition rate will apply to all LifePace Learning enrollments submitted on or after January 1, 2017, and to all term enrollments that start on or after January 1, 2017. The registration period for Term 4A17 is October 26, 2016 through January 10, 2017.
We believe in the principle that a quality education should be affordable and that exceptional service should be provided to all students. CSU remains one of the most affordable options in higher education based on our published rates alone; however, we go well beyond affordable tuition rates and offer the additional benefit of course materials at no cost, through various grants and programs.
We are proud you have chosen CSU, and you can be assured that we will continue to provide the best value and service available in online learning.
If you have any questions about enrollment, please contact your Academic Advisor.
Does CSU have plans to become regionally accredited?
Yes, CSU has started the process of seeking regional accreditation while also maintaining DEAC accreditation. This is a long process that can span over many years and involves many steps and approvals. As with any institution and accreditation, there are no guarantees to the final outcome and students should only base enrollment decisions on CSU as it is currently.
What does this do to the tuition of a person enrolled using the Veterans Advantage enrollment? (especially those using the Post 9/11 GI Bill)
Hi Rob! The new tuition rate will apply to all Veterans Advantage enrollments that start on or after January 1, 2017. The registration period for Term 4A17 is October 26, 2016 through January 10, 2017.
By reading comments over the internet since 2009-2010, CSU has been claiming that they have applied to regional accreditation. Should it really take that long to get approved regionally. Even though CSU does no t have a campus which I assume is the holdup, why is it hard when Columbia purchased Waldorf who is regional. If both schools are owned by same individual, what is the reason for the slow results. I have talked to some companies who will not consider me because they said Columbia is national and therefore not legit and they want consider the degree. I would like to know how long this will take so I can transfer to Waldorf or another regional school.
Mr. D thanks so much for your questions. Yes, seeking regional accreditation is a very long and thorough process that takes years to complete. Universities that have gone through this process previously can attest to that. Actually, although our courses are all online, we do have a campus located in Orange Beach, AL as our graduates can confirm. We will host over 2,000 guests on campus in a few weeks for Open House leading up to the 2016 Commencement Ceremony. It is always best to research companies and potential employers of their requirements beforehand. If some of the employers you have spoken with require a degree from a regionally accredited school, you may want to consider Waldorf. I would also highly recommend that you speak with other CSU graduates who are employed and highly successful with a degree from CSU.
When you say regional accreditation, does this include Texas?
Hi Janice. I’m not sure I fully understand your question, but should CSU become regionally accredited, it would impact all of our students, no matter which state each resides in. I hope this helps!
If CSU becomes accredited after I graduate, will the regional accreditation apply to me?
Hi Vance! That is an excellent question. Regional accreditation is not guaranteed, nor is it retroactive if obtained. Therefore, we encourage all of our students to base any enrollment decisions on CSU’s current classification as nationally accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
I have read and understand https://communicator.columbiasouthern.edu/2016/06/2017-tuition-increase/
What is CSU’s best estimate as to when they will finally become a regionally accredited institution.
Matthew, that is a good question. With the accreditation process there are no guarantees to the final outcome, so we are not able to provide a timeline. We will, however, communicate to our students and alumni immediately should any changes occur in our accreditation.
So according to this even though I receive Military Tuition Assistance, I will have to pay out of pocket for my undergraduate degree? Please clarify because if this is the case I will probably be seeking my education elsewhere. I don’t see paying out of pocket when there are numerous schools who are regionally accredited and cheaper.
Trevor, thank you for sharing your concerns. Yes, the tuition for your undergraduate courses will increase $10 per credit hour, so essentially, you will pay $30 more per course. There are multiple reasons for the increase as mentioned in the article above. Please keep in mind that CSU has not implemented a tuition increase since 2014. We will only implement tuition increases as they are needed and after careful consideration in order to strengthen our degree programs, revise courses and incorporate new technologies to enhance your educational experience. Overall, CSU remains one of the most affordable options in higher education when comparing tuition rates and fees to other schools. With no cost tutoring and career counseling, Learning Partner discounts, a variety of scholarship opportunities and the additional benefit of course materials at no cost through grants and programs , CSU will always strive to offer flexible, affordable education to our students.
If CSU becomes accredited after I graduate, will the regional accreditation apply to me?
Should we expect an annual tuition increase or will this new tuition rate remain the same for several years?
Hi Susan! Thank you for your question. The recent tuition increase was implemented after much discussion on the need to enhance our online degree programs and services for students. Specifically, course revisions, new technology within the portals, and increasing full-time faculty personnel were necessary in order to continue providing a great CSU student experience. Historically, CSU has not increased tuition rates on an annual basis and we do not see that as being a likely occurrence in the future.