Enrollment Options
The CSU Admissions Department is available to guide you through the process of enrolling and registering for courses. We offer three convenient enrollment systems – the Term Enrollment Program, Per-Course Enrollment Program and Flexible Enrollment Program for Veterans.
Term Enrollment Programs
CSU Term Enrollment Program courses are 8 weeks in length and have set start and end dates coinciding with the Academic Term Calendar. This enrollment option provides a more structured framework that facilitates on-time course completion while allowing the student flexibility throughout the week for assignment completion. Weekly, substantive interaction is required through submission of discussion board postings and other assignment types. Each week begins on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Discussion board assignments are due on Saturday and Tuesday. All other weekly assignments are due by Tuesday each week. All assignments are due by midnight Central Standard Time (CST) on the respective day. A term begins almost every month of the year allowing students to begin courses at a time that is convenient to them. The full academic term calendar and term course schedule can be viewed on the CSU website. Students utilizing Title IV Federal Student Aid are required to enroll in Term Enrollment Programs. All of the online programs offered at CSU are available in the Term Enrollment Programs option; with the exception of the Associates of Arts in General Studies.
Per-Course Enrollment Programs
CSU Per-Course Enrollment Program courses are 10 weeks in length and are designed with student flexibility in mind. Coursework is completed through an independent study model that allows students the flexibility to create study-time around other life commitments. This enrollment option offers added flexibility beyond what typical online programs offer. Per-Course Enrollment Programs have no semester start dates; therefore, students can begin courses at a time convenient to them. Students can progress through course assignments at a comfortable pace by creating a schedule for on-time course completion.
An application for admission is required for all students; in addition, all applicable admission requirements apply. Per-Course Enrollment Programs are not eligible for Title IV Federal Student Aid (FSA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. All of the online programs offered at CSU are available in the Per-Course Enrollment Programs option.
Flexible Enrollment Programs for Veterans
CSU Flexible Enrollment Program courses for Veterans are 8 weeks in length and have set start and end dates coinciding with the Academic Term Calendar. A term begins almost every month of the year, allowing students to begin courses at a time that is convenient for them. This enrollment option was designed for students using Montgomery GI Bill or Post 911 GI Bill benefits and provides a flexible structure for course completion. Between the scheduled start and end date, students can progress through coursework at their own pace. A suggested course schedule is provided, upon enrollment, as a guide for course completion. Attendance verification is required by week 4 of all enrolled courses to maintain enrollment in Flexible Enrollment Programs for Veteran courses. All of the online programs offered at CSU are available in the Flexible Enrollment Programs for Veterans option.
Non-Federal Student Aid Programs
Non-Federal Student Aid programs include all Certificate programs and the Associate of Arts in General Studies. Due to accreditation and/or U.S. Department of Education program eligibility regulations, the specified programs are not eligible for Federal Student Aid (Title IV). Students enrolled in these programs may choose to take the programs as a Term Enrollment Program, a Per-Course Enrollment Program or a Flexible Enrollment Program for Veterans.
View information on Federal Student Aid Eligible/Ineligible Programs.
Qualifications for Enrollment Options
Columbia Southern University offers three convenient enrollment options. Enrollment qualification criteria are listed below; for a detailed description of each enrollment option, please navigate to the Enrollment Options page found within the Student Handbook.
Term Enrollment Programs
All students enrolling at Columbia Southern University are eligible to enroll in Term Enrollment Programs; however, students utilizing Title IV Federal Student Aid (FSA) are required to enroll in this enrollment option.
Flexible Enrollment Programs for Veterans
Students enrolling at Columbia Southern University are only eligible to enroll in Flexible Enrollment Programs for Veterans through utilization of Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) or Post 911 GI Bill benefits. Students who do not meet this qualification have the option of enrollment in Term Enrollment Programs or Per-Course Enrollment Programs.
Per-Course Enrollment Programs
Students enrolling at Columbia Southern University are eligible to enroll in Per-Course Enrollment Programs if they are not using Title IV FSA or MGIB / Post 911 GI Bill benefits as funding options.