Objective: To examine correlates of and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine initiation and intention among college students. Participants: 1,171 students attending a public university in the South. Methods: Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the correlates of vaccine intention and initiation. Reasons for pursuing or foregoing vaccination were analyzed qualitatively using an inductive approach. Results: Among respondents, 44% had initiated vaccination, 38% intended to be vaccinated, and 18% were unsure about/unwilling to be vaccinated. Vaccine initiation and intention were both associated with 2019-2020 seasonal flu vaccination and political ideology, with conservative-leaning students having lower odds of vaccine initiation and of intention relative to liberal-leaning students. The most common reasons for vaccine initiation/intention and for vaccine hesitancy differed in frequency by political ideology. Conclusion: The most effective vaccine promotion strategies may be those tailored to different social groups, virus-related beliefs/perceptions, and the specific concerns of vaccine hesitant students.