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Return on Investment Analysis

Columbia International University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$111,600

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$-1,071/yr

below high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

N/A years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

-119%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Columbia International University's in-state tuition costs $27,900 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $30,630. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $33,929, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $38,951. The median debt for graduates is $20,000.

The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.65, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. With a starting salary of $30,630, the break-even point, where earnings equal the total cost of tuition, is approximately 2.7 years. This calculation does not include living expenses or interest on loans.

The university has a high acceptance rate of 97.6% and a graduation rate of 67.7%. The retention rate is 65.8%. 35.9% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$27,900

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$33,929

Graduation Rate

68%

Receive Financial Aid

36%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Peer Comparison

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$111,600
Median Debt$20,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$111,600

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Columbia International University has an estimated 20-year ROI of -119%. The total 4-year cost is $111,600 and graduates earn a median of $33,929 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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