Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.5%
- Retention Rate
- 52.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $41,338
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $21,046 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $41,205 | |
| Education, Other. | Master | $40,792 | $19,329 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $21,880 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $33,687 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $30,926 | $20,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,305 | $26,570 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Behavioral Sciences. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $18,760 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $24,094 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,192 | $23,394 |
Outcomes Overview
Columbia College graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations relative to their earnings potential. The median debt of $22,750 represents just 55% of first-year median earnings of $41,338, well below the concerning 100% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $241 consume about 7% of gross income, leaving room for other expenses. The 96.7% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success. As a historically women's college with United Methodist roots, many graduates pursue careers in education, social services, and healthcare fields where starting salaries align with these earnings figures. The debt-to-earnings ratio and reasonable monthly payments indicate a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.