Columbia Southern University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$23,232
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$20,140/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1634%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Columbia Southern University's in-state tuition is $5,808. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $68,574. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $55,140, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $63,534. The median debt for students is $21,339, and 23.8% of students receive financial aid.
The graduation rate at Columbia Southern University is 35%, and the retention rate is 58.8%. The school has a total student population of 13,053.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$5,808
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,339
Median Earnings (5yr)
$55,140
Graduation Rate
35%
Receive Financial Aid
24%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $23,232 | $65,804 | 2552% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $23,232 | $57,593 | 1845% |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | $23,232 | $80,937 | 3855% |
| Fire Protection. | $23,232 | $68,139 | 2753% |
| Fire Protection. | $23,232 | $80,338 | 3803% |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | $23,232 | $75,825 | 3415% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $23,232 | $48,154 | 1032% |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | $23,232 | $86,136 | 4302% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $23,232 | $60,062 | 2058% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $23,232 | $56,207 | 1726% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $23,232 | $50,101 | 1200% |
| Homeland Security. | $23,232 | $78,906 | 3680% |
Peer Comparison
1634%
20yr ROI
776%
20yr ROI
683%
20yr ROI
264%
20yr ROI
624%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.