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 is cheap to attend, and the debt load stays low, but the payoff is modest. At around $7,000 a year and median debt under $9,000, you won't dig a deep hole here. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit close to $39,000, which is a below-average return even for a two-year school. The 25% graduation rate is the bigger warning sign. Three out of four students who start don't finish on time, and a credential you never earn returns nothing on the money and time you put in.
Program data here is thin. The one program listed by earnings, an associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, reports about $22,000 a year. That's a transfer-oriented degree, not a job-ready credential, so treat that number as a floor for people who stop there. If you enroll planning to move on to a four-year school, that low figure isn't your endpoint. If you plan to stop at the associate, it's a real concern.
The financial risk specific to Columbus State is completion, not cost. Your downside isn't crushing debt. it's paying for semesters that don't add up to a degree.
The net price tiers stay flat across incomes. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay a little over $5,000 a year. above $110,000, closer to $11,500. Even the top tier is affordable compared to most colleges.
This school fits you if you're using it as a low-cost springboard to a bachelor's degree, or targeting a specific technical or healthcare credential with a clear local job attached. If you need a degree that pays well on its own and you're unsure you'll finish, look harder before you commit.
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.