At $24,051/yr net price, Columbia College graduates earn $45,378/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,378/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,051 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,204 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,378/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,378/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,879 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,212/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,960/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,477/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,728/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,856/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $68,079 | $45,860 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,382 | $25,247 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,894 | $25,718 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $49,937 | $26,033 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $46,924 | $52,896 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,970 | $18,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,817 | $31,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $20,812 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,235 | $23,187 |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Columbia College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Columbia College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $45,378 ten years after graduation and a net price of $24,051 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most quality colleges offer.
The school's 45% graduation rate creates immediate financial risk. More than half of students who enroll never finish, meaning they accumulate debt without earning a degree. The 67% retention rate signals that many students recognize problems early and transfer elsewhere.
Business majors at Columbia College earn $68,079, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. However, these graduates carry $45,860 in debt, nearly double the school median. Nursing and computer science graduates earn decent salaries around $54,000 with more manageable debt loads near $25,000. Most other programs fail to generate returns that warrant the investment.
Columbia College works financially only for students pursuing business, nursing, or computer science who can secure significant financial aid. The school awards aid to just 44% of students, limiting your chances of reducing costs through institutional support.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts majors or programs outside the top earners listed. The combination of weak graduation rates, limited earning potential, and modest financial aid makes Columbia College a poor choice for students seeking strong financial returns on their education investment. Missouri offers better options at both public universities and community colleges that provide clearer paths to career success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia College worth the cost?
Columbia College's graduates earn $45,378 ten years after enrollment, which is modest compared to the $24,051 annual net price. With only a 46% graduation rate and median debt of $23,879, the financial return is questionable for most students.
What are the best paying programs at Columbia College?
Business/Commerce graduates from Columbia College earn the highest at $68,079 annually, followed by International Business at $57,318. Nursing and computer science programs also show stronger earnings potential than the school average.
How much debt do Columbia College students graduate with?
Columbia College graduates carry a median debt of $23,879. Given that typical earnings are $45,378 ten years out, this debt load is manageable but leaves little room for financial flexibility early in careers.
Does Columbia College have good job placement after graduation?
Columbia College's 46% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, the low graduation rate and modest earnings indicate mixed employment outcomes.