At $9,921/yr net price, Columbia College graduates earn $22,160/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,921 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $22,160/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-11,840/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,940 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,637/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,213/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,900/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $19,227 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Certificate | $17,950 |
The Risk Factor
72.3% of students at Columbia College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Columbia College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median earnings of just $22,160 ten years after enrollment, graduates earn barely above minimum wage despite completing a degree program.
The college's two main programs both lead to below-average salaries. Somatic Bodywork graduates earn $19,227 annually, while English Literature graduates make even less at $17,950. These earnings barely cover basic living expenses in the Vienna area, where housing costs remain high despite the school's location in Northern Virginia.
Your debt burden stays manageable at $7,940 median, but even this modest amount becomes problematic when paired with such low earnings. The monthly loan payments will strain budgets that are already tight from low wages.
The 72% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
This school works financially only if you need specific bodywork credentials for an existing practice or have guaranteed employment lined up that pays above the median. For most students, community colleges offer similar programs at lower costs with better transfer options to four-year schools.
If you're committed to these fields, look for programs at Virginia community colleges where you'll pay less and have clearer pathways to higher earnings. Columbia College's returns simply don't justify choosing it over less expensive alternatives in the same region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia College Vienna worth the cost?
Columbia College Vienna's graduates earn only $22,160 ten years after starting, which is well below the national average for college graduates. While the net price is relatively low at $9,921 per year, the extremely low earnings outcomes make the financial return questionable.
What is the debt-to-income ratio for Columbia College graduates?
Columbia College graduates typically have $7,940 in median debt but earn just $22,160 annually after ten years. This creates a manageable debt load relative to the low earnings, though the overall income level remains concerning.
Which programs at Columbia College have the best ROI?
The top-earning program at Columbia College is Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services at $19,227 annually, followed by English at $17,950. Both programs produce earnings well below typical college graduate salaries.
How does Columbia College's graduation rate affect its value?
Columbia College has a 72.30% graduation rate, which is decent for completion but doesn't offset the low earnings outcomes. Students who do graduate still face significant income challenges compared to other college options.