At $11,889/yr net price, Columbus State University graduates earn $44,544/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,544/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,889 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,544/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,544/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,370/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,797/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,287/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,598/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,428/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $95,537 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $70,009 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $63,005 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $61,516 | $27,616 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,169 | $20,744 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $54,852 | $29,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $51,551 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,106 | $33,994 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,041 |
The Risk Factor
41.7% of students at Columbus State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Columbus State University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for computer science majors but weaker prospects for most other programs. The low net price of $11,889 annually helps offset modest earnings, but the 41% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you won't complete your degree at all.
Computer science stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $95,537 annually. Criminal justice and business programs also show solid returns above $60,000, making them worthwhile investments given the school's affordable cost. However, many other programs at Columbus State produce graduates earning well below the national median for college graduates.
The biggest financial risk here is the low completion rate. Nearly 6 out of 10 students who start at Columbus State don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 73% freshman retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the school isn't working for them.
Columbus State makes financial sense if you're pursuing computer science or criminal justice and can commit to finishing your degree. The low cost structure means even modest post-graduation salaries can generate positive returns. Regional students who need affordable options and plan to work in Georgia's job market will find decent value.
Skip Columbus State if you're considering lower-paying majors or lack strong academic preparation. The completion rates suggest this school struggles to support students who aren't already well-positioned for success. Your money would likely generate better returns elsewhere if you need significant academic support or aren't certain about your major choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus State University worth the cost?
Columbus State University offers decent value with a low net price of $11,889 per year, but the 10-year earnings of $44,544 are below average for college graduates. The computer science program shows strong returns at $95,537, while other majors struggle to justify the investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Columbus State University?
Computer and Information Sciences leads with $95,537 in median earnings, followed by Criminal Justice at $70,009. Business and education programs hover around $63,000, which provides modest returns given the time and cost investment.
How much debt do Columbus State University graduates have?
Columbus State University graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with overall graduate earnings averaging $44,544, loan repayment may still strain budgets for graduates in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State University?
Columbus State University has a 41.7% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll do not finish their degree. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without the benefit of a degree.