Columbia College Historic Campus
Explore the historic architecture and evolving academic spaces of Columbia College, a cornerstone of education in South Carolina.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active campus vibe
Columbia College Historic Campus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active campus vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic architecture and evolving academic spaces of Columbia College, a cornerstone of education in South Carolina.
"A historic campus with layers of beautiful architecture."
📸 Capture the Architecture
Take advantage of the beautiful historic buildings and modern renovations for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
Wander through the campus to appreciate the blend of old and new architectural styles.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.7 · 101 reviews
Type
College
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Throughout the campus
Admire the layers of beautiful, historic architecture that tell the story of the college's past.
College Place Transformation
College Place
See how a historic church space was thoughtfully reimagined into a modern academic and community hub.
Campus Green Spaces
Various lawns and courtyards
Enjoy the picturesque campus during golden hour, offering a serene and beautiful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Campus Visit Timing
Understanding the Campus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
Take advantage of the beautiful historic buildings and modern renovations for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
Wander through the campus to appreciate the blend of old and new architectural styles.
☀️ Enjoy Golden Hour
The campus is particularly beautiful during the late afternoon light.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
Take advantage of the beautiful historic buildings and modern renovations for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
Wander through the campus to appreciate the blend of old and new architectural styles.
☀️ Enjoy Golden Hour
The campus is particularly beautiful during the late afternoon light.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Columbia College are highly polarized. Some students praise the understanding faculty, helpful advisors, and strong financial aid support, calling it the 'best college' with 'very best people.' Conversely, other students describe a negative experience with unhelpful faculty, a management focused on sports over education, and an overwhelming workload for online courses, leading to stress and regret.
"I used to be an international student from Saudi Arabia at CC majoring in Criminal Justice. This college is worse than I expected. Most faculties are very stupid unhelpful, and unfriendly. The college management doesn't care about education. The college cares about the gym and sports like: women soccer, volleyball, and basketball. I though I was at a sport club not a college! The college only cares for fame and money. Waste of time. Not recommended. Very bad college!"
Fahad Alqahtani
"Currently a student and I regret transferring here. They have the degree that I want to study but classes are way too hard for it being 8 week classes. A lot of the courses are 2-3 discussions a wk 3-4 paragraphs each, plus a homework assignment, quiz, and then like two papers due in between plus two exams. For it being online classes they’re not flexible at all. It’s impossible to work a job and have to do this much amount of work for ONE class. My first course that I took here was like that and I couldn’t do anything except go to work, come back and do homework. On my days off I would spend the entire day doing assignments. It honestly became very stressful for me, because I had no balance between school plus just me being able to do everyday things. Didn’t even have time to study either because of the amount of assignments I had. They definitely didn’t keep in mind that majority of the people taking online classes is due to them having other priorities and no time to go in person. If you’re an online student you also don’t have any breaks except a winter break. I didn’t know this at all and I find it unfair that campus students do get those breaks but full time online students don’t. At my old college anytime we finished 8 week class we had a one week break plus all the other breaks colleges normally have. No school breaks and the amount of workload is crazy. I’m honestly thinking about transferring back to my old college or a different one for my sanity. The only plus is that they have military tuition rate and you don’t pay for your books. So if you’re doing online because you have work or other priorities and are thinking about doing full time would not recommend going here."
Jenniely
"Columbia college is a horrible place to attend. Half the classes they only offer online with little to no help from an instructor. They can’t even do basic math when it comes to student loans and figuring out if you have enough funds for classes that semester.
Then they will charge you for the classes with out giving you the option to drop them and come back when you have the funds to attend class. Then on top of that they will try and charge you collection costs that you did not occur."
Johnathan Motes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The campus is located in Columbia, South Carolina. Specific public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules. Driving is also an option, with parking availability potentially varying based on campus events.
Parking is generally available, though it can be easier to find on weekdays. Check for any event-specific parking restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As an active college campus, general access for sightseeing doesn't typically require tickets. However, for specific events or tours, admission fees may apply. It's advisable to check the college's official website for any visitor information.
The campus grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building access may be limited to students and faculty during academic terms.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture, especially the older buildings and the transformed College Place, offers excellent photo opportunities. The campus grounds also provide scenic backdrops, particularly during golden hour. 
While general photography for personal use is usually permitted, it's always a good idea to be respectful of students and ongoing academic activities. For commercial photography, specific permissions might be required.
🎫 🏛️ Campus Experience
Founded in 1854, Columbia College has a rich history as a cornerstone of women's education in Columbia, South Carolina. It has undergone significant transformations, including the reimagining of College Place into an academic hub.
Visitors can admire the diverse architectural styles, explore the grounds, and appreciate the blend of historic and modern academic spaces. The campus offers a glimpse into the college's educational legacy.
Yes, the historic campus can be a pleasant destination for a day trip, especially if you appreciate architecture and history. It's a compact area that can be explored in a few hours.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit