At $7,233/yr net price, Columbus State Community College graduates earn $39,435/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,435/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,233 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,749 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,386/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,139/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,179/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,662/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,476/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 | $8,573 |
The Risk Factor
25.1% of students at Columbus 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
Columbus State Community College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just $39,435 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate of only 25%, the school struggles to move students into well-paying careers.
The numbers tell a stark story about program quality. Even the highest-earning major, Liberal Arts and Sciences, produces graduates making only $21,964 annually while carrying $8,573 in debt. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment difficult and limits your financial mobility after graduation.
The low graduation rate amplifies these risks. With three-quarters of students failing to complete their programs, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The median debt of $8,749 may seem modest, but it becomes burdensome when paired with the school's poor earnings outcomes.
Columbus State works financially only for very specific situations. If you need basic prerequisites before transferring to a four-year school, the low net price of $7,233 makes it affordable. You might also consider it for immediate job training if you can identify specific certificate programs with strong local employer partnerships.
However, most students should look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and poor earnings outcomes creates substantial financial risk. Ohio has other community colleges with stronger track records and better connections to regional employers. If you need a degree for career advancement, the time and money invested here likely won't generate the returns you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus State Community College worth the cost?
Columbus State offers a low net price of $7,233 annually with median debt of only $8,749, making it financially accessible. However, graduates earn just $39,435 ten years after enrollment, which limits long-term earning potential compared to four-year degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State Community College?
Columbus State has a 25% graduation rate, meaning three-quarters of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a credential.
Which programs at Columbus State Community College have the best ROI?
The most popular programs at Columbus State are Liberal Arts and General Studies, with graduates earning around $21,964. These earnings are below the overall graduate average, so students should research specific career-focused programs that may offer better returns.
How much debt do Columbus State Community College graduates typically have?
Columbus State graduates have a median debt of $8,749, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the lower earning potential for most graduates.