Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.5%
- Retention Rate
- 64.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $42,195
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $41,789 | $48,604 |
| Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education. | Master | $41,565 | $67,949 |
| Journalism. | Master | $41,025 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $40,355 | $25,250 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,124 | $27,000 |
| American Sign Language. | Bachelor | $35,330 | $26,000 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $33,993 | $83,900 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $31,527 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $24,225 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $30,635 | $24,525 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $29,737 | $24,500 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $29,113 | $26,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $28,849 | $25,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Columbia graduates enter creative industries where early career earnings often start low but can grow . The median starting salary of $24,908 reflects the reality of entry-level positions in film, theater, and media. Ten years out, earnings climb to $42,195, though this trails many traditional colleges. With median debt of $25,000 and monthly payments of $265, graduates spend about 7.5% of their mid-career income on loans. The 45.81% loan repayment rate suggests many struggle financially early on. Alumni like Kanye West and Janelle Monáe represent the field's potential for breakout success. For students passionate about creative careers, Columbia offers decent value, but those seeking immediate financial stability should consider other paths. Average return on investment.