In addition to the University System of Georgia Mission Statement and the Core Mission Statement for State Universities, Columbus State University has the following select mission:

Columbus State University will serve the educational needs of a diverse region by providing a mixture of liberal arts and professional programs leading to associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees. The university also will serve transfer and transient students as well as those seeking certification and licensure. The university will maintain a strong core of general education as the foundation of all its academic programs. The university, through University College, will provide a student-centered developmental program for those students who are unprepared for the rigors of college work. The university will serve the educational, cultural, and economic needs of its region by providing credit and non-credit outreach programs. In all these endeavors, the university will strive to meet the needs of previously underserved populations in its service area.