Columbus State 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
$23,004
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,190/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
264%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Columbus State University is $5,751. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $44,821. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $39,190, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $44,544. The median debt for graduates is $26,000.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 58% one year after graduation, based on the median debt and earnings. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 66% five years after graduation.
Based on the median debt and the one-year post-graduation earnings, it would take graduates approximately 0.6 years to break even on their investment in tuition.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$5,751
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,190
Graduation Rate
43%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,973 | 2680% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $74,150 | 3304% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $54,702 | 1613% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $69,829 | 2928% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $66,543 | 2642% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $35,031 | -97% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $41,431 | 459% |
| Biology, General | $36,759 | 53% |
| Music | $23,111 | N/A |
| Sociology | $38,820 | 232% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $49,756 | 1183% |
Peer Comparison
264%
20yr ROI
-18%
20yr ROI
96%
20yr ROI
117%
20yr ROI
151%
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.