At $23,650/yr net price, Columbia College graduates earn $41,338/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,338/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,650 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,338/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,338/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,126/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,687/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,849/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,163/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,106/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
53.5% 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 just $41,338 ten years after graduation against a net price of $23,650 annually, you're looking at a degree that barely pays for itself.
The graduation rate of 53.5% means nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The retention rate of 52.9% signals that many students realize quickly this isn't working financially. Computer science offers the best earning potential at $46,087, but even that modest premium doesn't justify the cost compared to state alternatives.
Business and education majors earn around $40,000-$42,000, which is decent for South Carolina but not enough to comfortably service student loans. Communication majors face the worst prospects, earning just $33,993 while carrying $21,880 in debt. This program combination spells financial trouble.
Columbia College works financially only if you receive substantial aid or have family funding. At 53% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities exist, but you need to secure enough to bring your actual costs well below the published net price. The school's location in Columbia provides some internship access, but the regional job market limits earning potential.
Look elsewhere if you need strong career services, alumni networks, or programs that command higher starting salaries. Consider Columbia College only if you receive aid packages that cut your costs significantly below $20,000 annually, or if you're pursuing computer science with guaranteed scholarships. For most majors and financial situations, you'll find better value at South Carolina public institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia College worth the cost?
Columbia College's graduates earn $41,338 ten years after starting, which is below the national average for college graduates. With median debt of $22,750 and a 53% graduation rate, the return on investment is modest at best.
What are the best paying majors at Columbia College?
Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn the most at $46,087 annually, followed by Business Administration at $42,123. Communication and Media Studies has the lowest earnings at $33,993, making program choice important for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Columbia College students graduate with?
The median debt for Columbia College graduates is $22,750, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, meaning some take on debt without earning a degree.
Does Columbia College have good financial aid?
The average net price is $23,650 per year after financial aid, making it more affordable than many private colleges. The combination of lower costs and modest earnings potential means students typically see reasonable debt-to-income ratios if they graduate.