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 leaves you with a weak financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit below what many high school graduates earn, and every bachelor's program listed here pays under $25,000 a year. That is the core problem: this is a Bible-centered school where the top-earning majors are Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies, fields that lead to ministry and nonprofit work, not high salaries.
None of the listed programs cross the line into strong pay. Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies top the list, but they still earn less than Psychology graduates do at most schools. Psychology here sits at the bottom of the ranked programs. If you enroll expecting a degree that translates into a well-paying secular career, the data does not support that expectation for any major shown.
The financial risk is straightforward. You borrow a median of $20,000, then earn wages that barely clear entry-level pay. With a 65% graduation rate and similar retention, roughly a third of students do not finish, and leaving with debt and no degree is the worst outcome here. Ministry salaries do not stretch to cover loan payments comfortably.
The net price tiers are erratic. Families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay the least at $15,633, while families earning $30,000 to $48,000 pay more than $6,000 more. Families over $110,000 pay the most, near $27,600. If your income lands in the $75,000-plus range, run your own aid estimate carefully, because the sticker relief thins out fast.
This school fits you if you are called to ministry, missions, or church work and accept modest pay as part of that path. If you need your degree to produce a competitive salary or repay loans quickly, look elsewhere.
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.