Cookie Policy
Last updated: July 4, 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Columbia College (“we”, “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. It describes what cookies are, what types of cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control your cookie preferences at any time.
2. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. On each subsequent visit, your browser sends these cookies back to the website so that it can recognize your device, remember your preferences, and understand how you use the site.
3. Why we use cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
- To enable the basic functioning and security of our website (strictly necessary cookies).
- To understand how visitors use our website so that we can improve content, navigation, and performance (analytics cookies).
- To support our marketing and recruitment efforts by measuring the performance of our advertising campaigns and, where applicable, showing relevant ads to prospective students and visitors (advertising cookies via Google Ads).
4. Types of cookies we use
We use the following categories of cookies on our website:
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in, filling in forms, or setting your privacy preferences. You can set your browser to block these cookies, but some parts of the site may not work properly.
Analytics cookies (Google Analytics 4)
We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited, how long users stay, what links they click, and from which sites they arrive.This information is collected in an aggregated form and helps us understand and improve the performance and usability of our website.Google may also process this information in accordance with its own privacy and cookie policies.
Advertising cookies (Google Ads)
We use Google Ads cookies to help us measure and improve the performance of our online advertising campaigns. These cookies may:
- Record when you have visited our website after clicking on one of our ads.
- Help us understand which campaigns and messages are most effective.
- In some cases, be used by Google to show you more relevant ads on Google services or partner sites.
These cookies do not allow us to identify you directly, but they may be used by Google to build a profile of your interests in accordance with Google’s policies.
5. Cookies and third‑party tools we use
We use both first‑party cookies (set directly by us) and third‑party cookies (set by external service providers):
- Google Analytics 4 (GA4) – to analyze website traffic and usage patterns (for example, page views, session duration, and referral sources).
- Google Ads – to measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and, where applicable, to support remarketing or more relevant advertising on Google services.
For more information about how Google uses data from cookies, you can review Google’s own policies (for example, “How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services”).
6. How you can manage or disable cookies
You can manage your cookie preferences in the following ways:
- Through our cookie banner or settings tool:When you first visit our website, you can choose to accept all cookies, reject non‑essential cookies (such as analytics and advertising cookies), or customize your choices. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link (where available).
- Through your browser settings:Most web browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. However, if you block all cookies, some features of our website may not function properly.
If you delete or block cookies, your preferences (including opting out) may not be saved and you may need to update your settings again on your next visit.
7. Legal basis and consent (if applicable)
Where required by applicable data protection laws (for example, in the EU/EEA), we only use non‑essential cookies, such as analytics and advertising cookies, with your consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie settings as described above. This does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
8. Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time, for example to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, provide additional notice (such as via our cookie banner).
9. Contact us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us at:
Columbia College
Email: info@ccdc.edu
Address: 8620 Westwood Center Dr. Vienna, VA 22182