At $4,576/yr net price, Columbia State Community College graduates earn $40,256/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,256/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,576 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,256/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,256/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,657/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,253/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,240/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,240/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,956 | $11,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,858 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $37,328 | $5,375 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $28,816 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,443 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,565 | $7,601 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,267 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at Columbia State Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Columbia State Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, though your success hinges entirely on choosing the right program. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $53,956 annually, making the $11,500 median debt worthwhile for this field. Allied health programs also perform well, with graduates earning $44,858 while carrying manageable debt loads around $9,000.
The financial picture turns concerning for other programs. Computer science graduates earn just $28,816 despite the field's reputation for higher pay, suggesting weak industry connections or outdated curriculum. Veterinary technology pays similarly low at $28,443, raising questions about local job market demand for these skills.
Your biggest risk at Columbia State is the 30% graduation rate. If you don't finish your degree, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. The low completion rate signals potential academic support gaps or mismatched student preparation levels.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health careers and can commit to completing your program. The $4,576 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, and healthcare jobs in Tennessee offer stable employment prospects. However, you should look elsewhere for technology programs where other schools deliver stronger earning potential.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, limiting support options. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs, and consider the nursing program as your best bet for strong financial returns. If you're uncertain about finishing college or interested in fields outside healthcare, explore other options with better completion rates and broader program strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia State Community College worth the cost?
Columbia State Community College offers good value with a low net price of $4,576 annually and moderate debt levels around $8,500. However, the 30.8% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Columbia State Community College?
Nursing programs at Columbia State lead earnings at around $54,000 annually, followed by allied health fields at $37,000-$45,000. Computer science and veterinary tech programs produce lower earnings around $28,000, which may not justify even the low costs for some students.
How much debt do Columbia State Community College graduates have?
Columbia State graduates typically carry $8,500 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. The low debt load makes the financial risk relatively small, even if career earnings are modest.
Do Columbia State Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Columbia State graduates earn $40,256 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college but varies dramatically by program. Nursing graduates significantly outperform this average, while other programs may struggle to provide strong wage premiums.