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Statement of Accreditation Status

Columbia Central University

  • CEO: Mr. José Córdova, CEO
  • Accreditation Liaison Officer: Mrs. Mildred Molina
  • Commission Staff Liaison: Dr. Melissa Hardin, Vice President
  • Carnegie Classification: Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools » Four-year, very small, primarily nonresidential
  • Control: Private (For-Profit)
  • Former Name(s): Columbia College (5/1/2003), Columbia Centro Universitario (9/22/2014)
  • Phase: Accredited
  • Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
  • Candidacy Granted: 2002
  • Accreditation Granted: 2007
  • Last Reaffirmation: 2023
  • Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2030-2031

Contact Information

Angora Industrial Park, Building G, Angora Avenue
Caguas, PR 00725

(787) 704-1020

www.columbiacentral.edu

  • August 24, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Associate Degree in Cyber Security program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that the Commission reserves the right to rescind this action if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision and/or the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note the June 7, 2023 action.
  • June 22, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the self-study report. To note the on-site evaluation visit by the Commission's representatives to the main campus at Carretera 183 KM 1.7, Caguas, PR 00725 on March 26-29, 2023. To note the following branch campuses and additional locations were visited: (1) Road 2 Km 15.2, 46C Street, Corujo Industrial Zone, Bayamon, PR 00961; (2) Victoria Industrial Park Building 1, Road 877, Km. 0.08, Carolina, PR 00987; and (3) PO Box 3062 Calle Betances 3 Altos, Yauco, PR 00698. To note the verification visits required by the Commission action of December 2, 2021 have been completed. To reaffirm accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2030-2031.
  • June 7, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the updated teach-out plan. To approve the teach out plan. To approve the teach-out agreement with NUC University (Bayamón, PR). To acknowledge receipt of notification that the complex substantive change transaction for change in legal status, form of control, or ownership occurred on March 6, 2023. To note that Columbia Central University will cease operations on November 17, 2023. To note that NUC University is the surviving institution. To further note the accreditation for Columbia Central University and the degree granting authority from the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions will cease on December 31, 2023. To note that NUC University has been designated as the repository of all Columbia Central University student records. To note that students may obtain academic records at NUC University, National University College Plaza Building #1660 State Road #2, Km. 11.2, Bayamón, PR 00961.
  • April 27, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Rafael Cordero Avenue, Genova Street, Caguas Norte Urb, Caguas, PR 00726 that ceased operations effective December 30, 2022. To remove the additional location from the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that the Commission reserves the right to rescind this action if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • February 21, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that the supplemental information report included evidence of the submission of the request to the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions for the surrendering of degree granting authority. To note the action of November 17, 2022 regarding the complex substantive change request. To acknowledge receipt of the notification that the transaction did not occur as anticipated on December 1, 2022. To note that the anticipated date of transaction has been delayed. To require notification by May 1, 2023, of the revised date of the closing of the transaction. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • January 3, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Baccalaureate of Information Technology, Networks, and Security program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided, including: the Office of Registration and Licensing of Educational Institutions of the Department of State of the Government of Puerto Rico. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • January 3, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Baccalaureate in Business Administration program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided, including: the Office of Registration and Licensing of Educational Institutions of the Department of State of the Government of Puerto Rico. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • November 17, 2022
    To request an updated teach-out plan, due on April 1, 2023 with (1) evidence that student records have been transferred to the final repository; (2) a final version of the integration planning team milestones including timeframe and status (Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures); and (3) submission of any written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the United States Department of Education and the Florida Commission for Independent Education (Requirement of Affiliation 5). To request a supplemental information report due January 5, 2023, providing evidence of the submission of the request to the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions for the surrendering of degree granting authority. To note that Columbia Central University accreditation will cease on June 30, 2023. To note the transfer of Columbia Central University student records, programs, and services to NUC University. To note that NUC University, Bayamon, PR has been designated as the repository of all Columbia Central University student records. To note the action for NUC University on November 17, 2022.
  • November 17, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request. To include the change in legal status, form of control, or ownership within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note the complex substantive change request includes a merger with NUC University, effective December 1, 2022. To require notification of the date of the closing of the transaction within five calendar days of the transaction. To note that Columbia Central University accreditation will cease on June 30, 2023. To require submission of any written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the United States Department of Education and the Florida Commission for Independent Education. To note that approval of the transaction by the Puerto Rico Board of Postsecondary Education has been received. To note that the Commission reserves the right to rescind this action if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision and/or the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note the action for NUC University on November 17, 2022.
  • June 22, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Master in Business Administration with specialty in Human Resources program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • June 22, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in the existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • June 22, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in the existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Associate Degree in Optical Sciences program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • June 22, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in the existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Associate Degree in Medical Sonography program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • June 22, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the request for prior approval for the change in existing program's method of delivery. To include the online Associate Degree in Radiological Technology with specialty in Human Resources program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • March 10, 2022
    To note the commission liaison guidance visit occurred on December 13, 2021.
  • March 10, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To request that the next self-study, in preparation for a visit in 2022-2023, provide further evidence of (1) financial planning and budget processes that are aligned with mission, goals and objectives and are evidence-based (Standard VI); (2) a governing body that provides oversight at the policy level and is informed in all its operations by principles of good practice in board governance (Standard VII); and (3) a clearly articulated and transparent governance structure that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for decision-making by each constituency (Standard VII and Requirement of Affiliation 14).
  • December 2, 2021
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that the institution hosted a virtual site visit in lieu of an on-site visit in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 17, 2020. To affirm inclusion of the branch campuses at (1) EDIC College Carolina Campus, Victoria Industrial Park Building 1, Road 877, Km. 0.08, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987, and (2) EDIC College Bayamon Campus, Road 2 Km 15.2, 46C Street, Corujo Industrial Zone, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00961 within the scope of the institution's accreditation. In addition, to affirm inclusion of the following additional location at EDIC College Caguas Campus, Rafael Cordero Avenue, Genova Street, Caguas Norte Urb; Caguas, Puerto Rico 00726 within the scope of the institution's accreditation. To note that verification visits are required by USDE guidelines and will be conducted at the branch campuses and additional location within a reasonable period of time following the virtual site visits. To request a supplemental information report, due January 3, 2022, documenting further evidence of (1) financial planning and budget processes that are aligned with mission, goals and objectives and are evidence-based (Standard VI); (2) a governing body that provides oversight at the policy level and is informed in all its operations by principles of good practice in board governance (Standard VII); and (3) a clearly articulated and transparent governance structure that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for decision-making by each constituency (Standard VII and Requirement of Affiliation 14). To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • April 30, 2020
    To grant a delay of the supplemental information report requested by the Commission action of March 5, 2020 and due September 1, 2020, because of extraordinary circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions. The report is now due December 1, 2020. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • April 22, 2020
    To amend the action language of March 5, 2020 Commission action to include the change in control and legal status and to correct the name of the corporation from Columbia Central University to Columbia College Corporation. To remove the reference to the name change and note that Columbia College Corporation will survive the merger and the name of the currently accredited institution, Columbia Central University, will remain the same.
  • March 5, 2020
    To note that the Mid-Point Peer Review has been conducted. To request that the institution provide further evidence as instructed as part of the complex substantive change. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • March 5, 2020
    To acknowledge receipt of supplemental information report. To note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To include the change in control and legal status from Columbia Central University to Renovus Holdings I, LLC within the scope of the institution's accreditation. To note the complex substantive change request includes a change of ownership of Columbia Central University from Columbia College Corporation to Renovus Holdings I, LLC, and a merger of Columbia College Corporation with EDIC College, Inc. To note that following such merger, Columbia College Corporation will survive the merger and the name of the currently accredited institution, Columbia Central University, will remain the same. To require a site visit within six months of April 1, 2020, the anticipated date for the transaction. To require notification of the date of the closing of the transaction and all signed and executed transactional documents, within five calendar days of the closing. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the United States Department of Education and the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all developments relevant to this action. The Commission reserves the right to rescind approval of this substantive change if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision and/or the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that the following branch campuses are included within the institution's scope of accreditation: (1) EDIC College Carolina Campus, Victoria Industrial Park Building 1, Road 877, Km. 0.08, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987, and (2) EDIC College Bayamon Campus, Road 2 Km 15.2, 46C Street, Corujo Industrial Zone, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00961. To direct a substantive change site visit as soon as practicable but not later than six months after the commencement of instruction at each branch campus. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at each branch campus. To note that the following additional location is included within the institution's scope of accreditation: EDIC College Caguas Campus, Rafael Cordero Avenue, Genova Street, Caguas Norte Urb; Caguas, Puerto Rico 00726. To direct a substantive change site visit as soon as practicable but not later than six months after the commencement of instruction at the location. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To request a supplemental information report, due September 1, 2020, providing an updated status of the merged institutions, an update on the institution's Heightened Cash Monitoring status and United States Department of Education Title IV responsibilities, and further evidence of (1) published information regarding student achievement, including student outcome measures (Standard IV and Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures) (2) development and implementation of organized and systematic assessments that evaluate the extent of student achievement (Standard V), (3) financial planning and budget processes that are aligned with mission, goals, and objectives and are evidence-based (Standard VI), and (4) a clearly articulated and transparent governance structure that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for decision-making by each constituency (Standard VII). The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • November 21, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request. To postpone a decision and request a supplemental information report due January 6, 2020 providing evidence that the proposed merged institutions are able to demonstrate compliance with Standards III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience), Standard V (Educational Effectiveness Assessment), Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement), and Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration). The supplemental information report should include evidence of (1) coherent learning experiences appropriate to the credential levels offered, (2) development and implementation of organized and systematic assessments that evaluate the extent of student achievement (Standard V), (3) comprehensive long-range planning processes (Standard VI), (4) enrollment management planning linked to budget development (Standard VI), and (5) a clearly articulated and transparent governance structure that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for decision-making by each constituency (Standard VII). To also request that the supplemental information report provide an update on the status of the submission of the institution's pre-acquisition review application to the United States Department of Education, including the application submitted as part of the review and any pre-acquisition response issued by the Department and an update on the merger partner's HCM status. To direct a follow-up team visit following submission of the report. To note that the Commission will act on the complex substantive change at its March 2020 meeting. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • November 15, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that a follow-up visit will not be conducted. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • March 15, 2018
    To accept the Supplemental Information report. To request a Supplemental Information report, due August 1, 2018, regarding the status of the institution. A small team visit may follow submission of the report. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2022-2023.
  • October 19, 2017
    To request a supplemental information report due December 1, 2017, regarding the status of the institution.
  • June 25, 2015
    To accept the progress report. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2018.
  • March 7, 2013
    To accept the monitoring report, to note the visit by the Commission's representatives, to remove the warning, and to reaffirm accreditation because the institution is now in compliance with Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance). To request a progress report, due April 1, 2015, documenting further progress in the development and implementation of (1) a well-defined system of collegial governance; (2) appropriate opportunity for student input regarding decisions that affect them; and (3) written governing documents that delineate the governance structure's composition, duties and responsibilities, and assign authority and accountability for policy development and decision making (Standard 4). The Periodic Review Report is now due June 1, 2018.
  • November 15, 2012
    To note that the Commission liaison guidance visit took place. To remind the institution that it has been placed on warning because of insufficient evidence that the institution is currently in compliance with Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance). To note that the institution remains accredited while on warning. To remind the institution of the monitoring report, due March 1, 2013, documenting that the institution has achieved and can sustain compliance with Standard 4, including but not limited to the development and implementation of (1) a well-defined system of collegial governance including written policies outlining governance responsibilities of administration and faculty and readily available to the campus community; (2) appropriate opportunity for student input regarding decisions that affect them; and (3) written governing documents, such as a constitution, by-laws, enabling legislation, charter or other similar documents that delineate the governance structure's composition, duties and responsibilities, assign authority and accountability for policy development and decision making, including a process for the involvement of appropriate institutional constituencies in policy development and decision making, and provide for the selection process for governing body members (Standard 4). A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. To ask that the monitoring report also document evidence of an organized and sustainable process that is used to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and budgeting (Standard 7). The due date for the next Periodic Review Report will be established when accreditation is reaffirmed.
  • June 28, 2012
    To warn the institution that its accreditation may be in jeopardy because of insufficient evidence that the institution is currently in compliance with Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance). To note that the institution remains accredited while on warning. To request a monitoring report, due March 1, 2013, documenting that the institution has achieved and can sustain compliance with Standard 4, including but not limited to the development and implementation of (1) a well-defined system of collegial governance including written policies outlining governance responsibilities of administration and faculty and readily available to the campus community; (2) appropriate opportunity for student input regarding decisions that affect them; and (3) written governing documents, such as a constitution, by-laws, enabling legislation, charter or other similar documents that delineate the governance structure's composition, duties and responsibilities, assign authority and accountability for policy development and decision making, including a process for the involvement of appropriate institutional constituencies in policy development and decision making, and provide for the selection process for governing body members (Standard 4). To direct a prompt liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations. A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. To ask that the monitoring report also document evidence of an organized and sustainable process that is used to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and budgeting (Standard 7). The due date for the next Periodic Review Report will be established when accreditation is reaffirmed.
  • November 1, 2011
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request, to note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Calle Palmer #22, Esquina Calle Maceo, Bayamon, PR 00759, and to remove the location from the scope of the institution's accreditation.
  • November 1, 2011
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request, to note the institution's decision to close its branch campus at Esquina Munoz Rivera, Calle Pilar Defillo, Mayaguez, PR 00680, and to remove the branch campus from the scope of the institution's accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2011-2012.
  • June 23, 2011
    To note the visit by the Commission's representative, to note receipt of PRCHE approval, and to affirm the inclusion of the additional location located at Calle Palmer #22, Esquina Calle Maceo, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00759, within the scope of the institution's accreditation. To request that the self-study, in preparation for the evaluation visit scheduled for 2011-2012, include documentation on the implementation of the Bayamon additional location, including long term financial viability of the location (Standard 3) and accuracy in recruiting and admissions material and practices for the location (Standard 6).
  • May 6, 2011
    To acknowledge receipt of approval from the Consejo de Educacion Superior de Puerto Rico and to include the online Master's in Business Administration within the scope of the institution's accreditation.
  • May 5, 2011
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request to reclassify the additional location located at Esquina Munoz Rivera, Calle Pilar Defillo, Mayaguez, PR 00680 as a branch campus and to include this branch campus provisionally within the scope of the institution's accreditation pending a site visit within six months. To request that the self-study submitted in preparation for the evaluation visit scheduled for 2011-2012 include documentation on the implementation of the site and the use of outcomes assessment to improve teaching and learning at the branch campus. To note that the additional location in Bayamon was visited and that the visitor's report will be acted upon at the June 23, 2011 Commission meeting.
  • Distance Education
    Approved to offer programs by this delivery method
  • Correspondence Education
    Not approved for this delivery method

Approved Credential Levels

The following represents credential levels included in the scope of the institution’s accreditation:

  • Postsecondary award (1-2 years) Included within the scope
  • Associate's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Master's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Main Campus
    Columbia Central University
    Carretera 183 KM 1.7
    Caguas, PR 00725-8517
  • Branch Campus
    Columbia Central University Bayamón Branch
    Road 2 Km 15.2, 46C Street, Corujo Industrial Zone
    Bayamon, PR 00961
    Opened: 05/01/2020
  • Branch Campus
    Columbia Central University Carolina Branch
    Victoria Industrial Park Building 1, Road 877, Km. 0.08
    Carolina, PR 00987
    Opened: 05/01/2020
  • Branch Campus
    Yauco Branch
    PO Box 3062 Calle Betances 3 Altos
    Yauco, PR 00698

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