Understanding Columbia Southern University Tuition and Fees

Columbia Southern University (CSU) aims to provide accessible and affordable higher education with strong student support. This article provides a detailed overview of CSU's tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other associated costs.

Tuition Rates

CSU is committed to offering competitive tuition rates. As of term 1B26, the tuition rate for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s courses is $250 per credit hour for active-duty military members using tuition assistance. The new tuition rate will take effect with term 1B26. Registration for term 1B26 begins on April 9, 2025.

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, students should be aware of the following fees:

Credit and Debit Card Fee: Effective July 10, 2025, a 2.75% fee will be applied to all credit and debit card payments made to CSU, including tuition and fees. However, there are alternative payment options available without incurring this fee, such as cash, check, money order, or Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) payments.

Included Costs

A significant advantage of attending CSU is that all eTextbooks, textbooks, and integrated learning resources are provided at no additional cost. This inclusive approach helps students save on their investment in education. CSU carefully selects these materials for each course to supplement the learning experience effectively.

Learning Partner Discounts

CSU Learning Partners are eligible for a tuition discount, which is applied to the full tuition rate. However, this discount cannot be combined with any other special discount or scholarship from CSU.

Read also: Columbia University Legacy

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and estimated living expenses. The COA information described reflects the cost for completion of an entire academic program. Living and Personal Expenses are based on a full time enrollment status and the student’s housing plan as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's important to note that CSU is an online university and does not provide on-campus housing.

Estimated Costs

Books and Supplies: \$616 per year

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are estimated for food, housing, personal/miscellaneous expenses, and student loan origination fees. CSU encourages students to carefully consider the amount of student loans borrowed in excess of direct costs. Housing costs may vary substantially depending on the student's geographic location.

Financial Aid

Financial aid options at CSU include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which is typically determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Average Financial Aid

Average Aid Package Awarded: \$3,375

Types of Aid

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These do not need to be paid back.
Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back.

Payment Plans and Policies

Tuition and fees are due in full prior to each term start, or students may select an approved payment plan by the Saturday prior to each term start. Students utilizing an approved payment plan should have their payment plan set up by the Saturday prior to the term start date. Outstanding balances must be paid in full, or an approved payment plan set up prior to the last day of the Add/Drop period to avoid an institutional drop from all enrolled courses.

When utilizing an approved payment plan, payments must successfully process in order for the payment plan to remain in place. If there are any declined payments or payments returned for insufficient funds, the payment plan may be cancelled. Students will not be dropped from courses if using a confirmed financial assistance method where payment is already scheduled. Students are only allowed to carry over a balance from the previous term.

Any carryover balance must be paid in full by the end of the term in which the student is currently enrolled. Students with a carryover balance from the previous term must work with a collections team member within Student Accounts to set up an approved payment plan or make arrangements to pay the balance in full. If a student’s unpaid balance exceeds 365 days, CSU will write it off as bad debt. The student’s online ledger may reflect a $0.00 balance; however, the student remains responsible for the debt.

Net Price

The net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships a student receives. The net price is specific to individual circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Prospective students can use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate.

Average Net Price

Average Net Price: \$14,085 per year

Additional Information

*Undergraduate certificates are not eligible for title IV funding.*Graduate certificates are not eligible for title IV funding.*If a student drops, withdraws or fails a course, the cost of shipping the textbook will be charged to the student's account.

Read also: Paying for Columbia

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