At $21,660/yr net price, Columbia International University graduates earn $38,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,660 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,640 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,430/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,740/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,633/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,406/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,598/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $35,420 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Doctoral | $33,993 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $30,119 | |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Doctoral | $28,960 | |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Bachelor | $24,421 | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $20,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $23,351 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
The Risk Factor
65.5% of students at Columbia International University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Columbia International University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $38,951 ten years after graduation and a net price of $21,660 annually, you'll earn less than many community college graduates while paying private school prices.
The earnings picture gets worse when you examine specific programs. Even the highest-paying major, Theological and Ministerial Studies at $35,420, falls well below the national average for college graduates. Education majors earn $33,993, which is particularly concerning given the significant debt load required to reach teaching positions. Psychology graduates face the steepest financial challenge, earning just $30,119 despite needing graduate school for most career paths in the field.
Your biggest risk here is the combination of low graduation rates and poor job market outcomes. Only 65.5% of students complete their degrees, and those who do graduate into careers that typically don't require expensive private education. The 65.82% retention rate signals that many students realize the financial mismatch early and transfer elsewhere.
Columbia International makes financial sense only if you're called to ministry work and understand you're prioritizing mission over money. The school's Christian focus means you're paying for a specific educational environment, not career outcomes. If you're considering education or psychology programs, state schools will deliver similar career preparation at significantly lower cost.
With only 28.27% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Unless you receive substantial financial assistance, the debt-to-earnings ratio makes this school financially unsustainable for typical career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia International University worth the cost?
Columbia International University graduates earn $38,951 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $21,660 annually and typical debt of $20,000, the financial return is modest but manageable for those committed to ministry or education careers.
What programs at Columbia International University have the best ROI?
Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn the highest at $35,420 annually, followed by Teacher Education at $33,993. Psychology and other theology programs pay significantly less, with some earning under $30,000 annually.
How much debt do Columbia International University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $20,000, which is relatively low compared to many private colleges. However, given that most graduates earn under $40,000 annually, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of income.
Does Columbia International University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $21,660 suggests decent financial aid for a private religious institution. The 65.5% graduation rate indicates most students can afford to complete their degree, though career earnings remain limited across most programs.