Columbia College is a private two‑year college in the Northern Virginia–Washington, DC metro area, welcoming students from across NOVA and the broader DMV region.
Our Tysons campus and surrounding locations offer easy access to Washington, DC, Northern Virginia (NOVA), and the wider DMV community.
Work one-on-one with an admissions representative who will guide you through every step—from your first question to your first day of class.
From enrollment to visa sponsorship, our experienced admissions team supports all students through every step of the process.
Our support doesn’t stop when classes end—we assist with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Our admissions process is designed to be clear and efficient, so you can complete your application without confusion or unnecessary delays.
FAFSA Pell Grant : Up to $7,395/yr
Columbia College Shcolarship : Up to $4,000
Presidential Scholarship : Up to $2,166
No repayment required
To qualify for enrollment at Columbia College, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
1. A graduate of an accredited high school or has satisfactorily completed the General Educational Development (GED) test.
2. A home-schooled student who is compliant with state and county education guidelines. The compliance form must be submitted with the admissions application.
3. If an applicant graduated the high school in foreign countries and cannot provide the diploma, he/she must complete waivers of diploma forms as proof of graduation.
4. An official college/university transcript is an acceptable document to prove high school graduation if applicant is currently attending or previously attended. For foreign institutions, the transcript must be evaluated by an organization recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).
5. Associate degree and English as a Second Language (ESL) applicants are administered a nationally recognized exam for the purpose of evaluating language proficiency and academic propensity. Please note, ESL students are also required to complete a nationally recognized exam upon completion of their program for the purpose of evaluating learning outcomes and language proficiency.
6. Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) applicants are those who need instruction in English to be able to use the knowledge and skills that they already possess to obtain employment. In addition to the Criteria for Admission listed above, students must submit documentation to verify possession of job skills.
Columbia College does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The College complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, related executive orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and all Civil Rights Laws of the state of Virginia.
As the only program of its kind in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Laboratory Technology program equips students with advanced skills to design and construct crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances.
The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts program offers hands-on training in culinary methods and techniques through lab-based and classroom instruction. Students progress through foundational, intermediate, and advanced coursework designed to prepare them for diverse roles in the culinary field. The curriculum covers both theory and practice, equipping students with the essential skills to meet industry standards. Key topics include sanitation and safety, baking, culinary production, nutrition, customer service, and kitchen management. Upon completion, graduates will be qualified for entry-level positions in the culinary industry.
The Cosmetology Program prepares students for careers in hair design, nail artistry, and facial makeup. Through a combination of theory and 80% hands-on training, students develop essential techniques while exploring current industry trends and innovations. Whether building foundational skills or refining advanced techniques, this program equips students with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in today's beauty industry.
The Massage Therapy Program offers a comprehensive blend of theory and hands-on practice. Designed for students with little or no prior experience, this program provides practical training in therapeutic massage techniques while building a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology.
The Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed for success in a wide range of business careers. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering core areas such as business management, accounting, and computer applications. Students complete core concepts in business theory, financial principles, and essential computer skills such as spreadsheets and business software. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with a strong foundation in key business disciplines and the ability to adapt to the demands of a global economy.
The Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology program provides students with comprehensive instruction in computer systems, programming, networking, and related business technologies. The curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and prepare students for a variety of IT careers.
The Associate of Occupational Science in Early Childhood Education program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the holistic development of young children. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students learn to understand developmental stages, implement age-appropriate educational strategies, and create nurturing, inclusive learning environments. The program emphasizes the importance of cognitive, emotional, and social growth, as well as collaboration with families and communities. Graduates are prepared to promote the overall well-being and success of young learners in a variety of early childhood education settings.
The Associate of Occupational Science in Technical and Business English program equips students with effective communication skills essential for business administrative professionals. Through integrated training in writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills, students develop strong communicative and analytical abilities. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers across media organizations, trade and professional associations, nonprofit arts and social change groups, educational institutions, and various business sectors.
This program is designed to offer comprehensive English classes including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar for students.
The Vocational ESL Program is designed to help students improve their English language skills for job readiness and career advancement. It serves individuals who have prior work experience or technical skills but need stronger communication abilities to thrive in the U.S. workforce. The curriculum combines job-related communication training with comprehensive English instruction, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and sentence structure. Courses such as the Job Success series and Business English fundamentals focus on practical, workplace-relevant language. The goal is for students to gain fluency and confidence in English, enabling them to pursue better employment opportunities and integrate into their communities.
Online Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) is a program that focuses on learning English with a special emphasis on job related skills and vocabulary. The program is designed to help students with their day-to-day English language skills to improve their job prospects in the U.S. Students can easily access the program from anywhere, anytime, making it an innovative way to enhance language skills.
The Associate of Occupational Science in Korean Language and Culture program provides students with comprehensive Korean language training through culturally immersive courses. In this 92-credit program, students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while gaining nuanced abilities shaped by Korea's history, traditions, and international relations.
