Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

Total Enrollment

18,487

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

58 programs

Full-Time Students

7,881

5,230 part-time

Total FTE

18,094

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

28:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

164

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

5778

Total Recent Graduates

With 18,487 students, Columbia Southern University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 58 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 7,881 (60.1%)

60.1%

Part-Time Students 5,230 (39.9%)

39.9%

Total Students 13,111

Balanced mix of full-time (60.1%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (42.6%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

36.7%

6,776 students

Men

63.3%

11,711 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

57.9%

10,702 students

White

57.9% (10,702)

Black/African American

18.5% (3,420)

Two or More Races

2.7% (505)

Asian

2.0% (374)

Hispanic/Latino

1.9% (345)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.9% (173)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.6% (102)

International Students

0.0% (3)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly male (63%) across 18,487 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 58% of the student body (10,702 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Men comprise 63% of the student body.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

13,111 students

66% Men, 34% Women

7,881 Full-time 5,230 Part-time

Diversity Index: 57% • Minority Students: 21%

Graduate students

5,376 students

57% Men, 43% Women

5,376 Full-time

Diversity Index: 68% • Minority Students: 30%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

13,257

All full-time students

7,983 men, 5,274 women

Diversity: 62%

FT Undergraduate

7,881

Full-time undergraduate

4,933 men, 2,948 women

Diversity: 56%

FT Degree-Seeking

7,863

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

4,923 men, 2,940 women

Diversity: 56%

FT First-Time

240

Full-time first-time students

151 men, 89 women

Diversity: 50%

FT Continuing

7,623

Full-time continuing students

4,772 men, 2,851 women

Diversity: 56%

FT Transfer

1,230

Full-time transfer students

753 men, 477 women

Diversity: 56%

FT Continuing

6,393

Full-time other continuing

4,019 men, 2,374 women

Diversity: 56%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

10 men, 8 women

Diversity: 51%

FT Graduate

5,376

Full-time graduate students

3,050 men, 2,326 women

Diversity: 68%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

5,230

All part-time students

3,728 men, 1,502 women

Diversity: 57%

PT Undergraduate

5,230

Part-time undergraduate

3,728 men, 1,502 women

Diversity: 57%

PT Degree-Seeking

5,190

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

3,698 men, 1,492 women

Diversity: 57%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

53 men, 17 women

Diversity: 57%

PT Continuing

5,120

Part-time continuing students

3,645 men, 1,475 women

Diversity: 57%

PT Transfer

416

Part-time transfer students

298 men, 118 women

Diversity: 46%

PT Continuing

4,704

Part-time other continuing

3,347 men, 1,357 women

Diversity: 58%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

30 men, 10 women

Diversity: 61%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

8,157

White

2,150

Black/African American

222

Hispanic/Latino

218

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 57% Minority Students: 21%

Graduate students

2,545

White

1,270

Black/African American

123

Hispanic/Latino

156

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 68% Minority Students: 30%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Columbia Southern University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Columbia Southern University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 18,487 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 18,094 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.

• Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (100% exclusively online).

• Academic Environment: Standard class sizes (28:1) with structured learning environment.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

25198137711278

Address

21982 University Lane

Orange Beach, AL 36561-9000

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials