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
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $31,579 | N/A |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $49,422 | 158% |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $29,216 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $30,957 | N/A |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $38,268 | -41% |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.