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 leaves you with a thin financial cushion. You pay around $24,000 a year in net price and come out earning $45,378 a decade later, so the gap between what you spend and what you earn stays narrow. The 45.70% graduation rate is the bigger problem: fewer than half of you finish, and paying tuition without a degree is the worst outcome here.
International Business is the clear winner, topping $57,000, followed by Computer and Information Sciences near $54,000. These two carry the earnings power. Business Administration and Management pay off less and cost more in debt, with grads borrowing $31,000 to reach under $45,000 in earnings. Finance is the smart middle path: solid pay and the lowest debt on the list at $18,750, meaning you keep more of what you earn. If you want a payoff at this school, aim for International Business, computer science, or finance, and be cautious about general management.
The retention number is a warning sign. Only 67% of you come back for a second year, so the risk is dropping out with debt and no credential. Median debt of $23,879 is manageable only if you graduate into one of the higher-paying business or tech majors.
The net price tiers work oddly here: if your family earns under $30,000, you pay the most at $26,212, more than families earning over $110,000 pay. That makes this a hard financial fit for lower-income families, who get no discount for their income. Columbia College works best for you if you enroll in a high-earning business or computing program, are confident you will finish, and can cover the roughly $22,000 to $24,000 yearly cost without heavy borrowing. If you are undecided or low-income, price out other options first.
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.