Columbus State University
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
264%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Columbus State University's in-state tuition costs $5,751. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $44,821. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $39,190, but increase to $44,544 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $26,000.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.58 one year after graduation, calculated by dividing the median debt of $26,000 by the one-year earnings of $44,821. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $23,004 | $66,973 | 2680% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $23,004 | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $23,004 | $54,702 | 1613% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $23,004 | $52,181 | 1394% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $23,004 | $35,031 | -97% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $23,004 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $23,004 | $69,829 | 2928% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $23,004 | $74,150 | 3304% |
| Biology, General. | $23,004 | $36,759 | 53% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $23,004 | $41,431 | 459% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $23,004 | $37,524 | 119% |
| Sociology. | $23,004 | $38,820 | 232% |
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)
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.