Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.2%
- Retention Rate
- 58.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $63,534
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,339
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $226/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland Security. | Master | $71,473 | $37,075 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $69,785 | $13,910 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $69,691 | $20,895 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $68,880 | $32,386 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,304 | $23,425 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $22,078 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $61,922 | $9,500 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $61,516 | $40,144 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,990 | $39,043 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,092 | $23,491 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $56,234 | $39,585 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,149 | $23,998 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $48,935 | $21,862 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $20,209 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $45,175 | $23,621 |
Outcomes Overview
Columbia Southern graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $21,339, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 33% against their $63,534 median salary. Monthly loan payments of $226 consume only 4.3% of typical graduate income. The university's focus on business, criminal justice, and emergency management programs feeds into growing sectors where 92.7% of graduates find employment. Many alumni advance in corporate management, public safety, and healthcare administration roles. The combination of affordable tuition, reasonable debt loads, and strong employment outcomes in recession-resistant fields creates a solid return on investment for working adults seeking career advancement.
Verdict: Strong return on investment.
Verdict: Strong return on investment.