About Columbia Southern University
Tuition runs $5,808 annually for all students regardless of residency status. The average net price reaches $14,975 after financial aid, though only 21.22% of students receive any aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,534 ten years after completing their programs. Monthly loan payments average $226 for those who borrow, with typical debt loads of $21,339. The employment rate hits 92.7% among graduates, suggesting strong job market outcomes despite the modest financial aid availability.
The student body skews heavily male at 66.05%, reflecting the university's popularity among military personnel and working professionals in traditionally male-dominated fields. Only 8.72% of students come from Alabama, highlighting the online format's national reach. The 37.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adult students face balancing education with career and family responsibilities. Student retention stands at 58.76% year-to-year.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.2%
- Retention Rate
- 58.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,534
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Homeland Security. | Master | $71,473 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $69,785 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $69,691 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $68,880 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,304 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $62,260 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $61,922 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $61,516 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,990 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,092 |
Campus Life
Your weekend plans won't involve campus activities since 91% of students live out-of-state and attend virtually. Instead, you'll log into discussion forums and complete assignments around work schedules and family obligations. The university caters to working adults and military personnel who need flexibility over campus traditions. With only 21% receiving federal aid, most students are self-funding their education while maintaining full-time jobs. The median debt of $21,339 is relatively modest for a bachelor's degree. Students connect through online study groups and virtual networking events rather than football games or dorm parties. Your classmates might be stationed overseas, working night shifts, or raising families across different time zones.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Other
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–61°F
- July Avg
- 72°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 69.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 66.1%
- Women
- 34.0%
- White
- 62.2%
- Black
- 16.4%
- Hispanic
- 1.7%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 8.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.2%
Location
- Address
- Orange Beach, Alabama 36561-9000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,534
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,127
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $57,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $226/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,339
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University operates as an open-admission online institution, meaning they accept virtually all applicants who meet basic requirements. The university focuses on serving working adults and military personnel who need flexible degree options. With 13,053 students enrolled, the school prioritizes accessibility over selectivity.
How much does Columbia Southern University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,975 annually at Columbia Southern University. The tuition rate remains consistent at $5,808 for both in-state and out-of-state students since most learning happens online. Only 21.22% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on affordability for working adults.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University maintains a 28:1 student-faculty ratio across its online programs. The university specializes in distance learning for working professionals who need flexible scheduling. With a 58.76% retention rate, the school serves students who often balance education with full-time careers.
What are the graduation rates at Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University reports a 37.20% six-year graduation rate and 35.04% four-year graduation rate. These rates reflect the challenges facing working adult learners who often attend part-time while managing careers and family responsibilities. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,534 ten years after enrollment.
Where do Columbia Southern University students come from?
Only 8.72% of Columbia Southern University students live in Alabama, with the vast majority studying from other states through online programs. The student body is 66.05% male and 62.22% white, reflecting the university's strong appeal to military personnel and working professionals. The online format attracts students nationwide who need flexible degree options.
Does Columbia Southern University serve military students well?
Columbia Southern University has built its reputation specifically around serving military personnel and veterans through online degree programs. With 92.7% of graduates finding employment, the school focuses on career-relevant education for working adults. The university's flexible format and military-friendly policies make it popular among service members seeking advancement opportunities.
