Columbia College
Columbia, South Carolina · Private Nonprofit · 93.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 15/100 · Poor Value
Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina is a small private nonprofit institution enrolling approximately 1,343 students. Its overall ROI score of 15 places it in the Poor Value tier, reflecting severe financial outcome challenges: a 37% completion rate, median six-year earnings of $28,500, and a 33.7-year payback period on average costs. Only 56% of borrowers are making loan repayment progress at three years. Tuition is $22,214 and the net price of $18,408 is moderate, but against median earnings of $28,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80 leaves graduates with meaningful financial strain. The institution serves a predominantly female, diverse student body and historically focused on women's education. With 54% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college reaches high proportions of financially vulnerable students, making its Poor Value rating especially concerning. Homeland security and criminal justice are the notable exceptions, producing graduates with significantly better earnings trajectories than the institutional median.
The data raises concerns about Columbia College
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score15/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate36.9% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period33.7 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Columbia College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $22,214/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,214/yr |
| Average net price | $18,408/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $73,632 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,338 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $28,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,750 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $241 |
| Estimated payback period | 33.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 36.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,343 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Columbia College is $22,214/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $18,408/year, or roughly $73,632 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,541/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,399/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,750 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $241 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $41,338 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.80 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,541 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,017 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,816 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,928 |
| $110,001+ | $20,399 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students from families earning under $30,000 face a net price of $17,541. Given median six-year earnings of only $28,500, this represents a significant financial commitment relative to outcomes. The 56% repayment rate at three years suggests many low-income students are struggling with debt. Low-income Pell-eligible students in South Carolina should carefully compare this offer against University of South Carolina's Palmetto College and community college transfer pathways.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income students ($48,001–$75,000) pay about $16,816 — actually lower than the lowest-income bracket, which is unusual and likely reflects Columbia's aid structure. At this price, homeland security and criminal justice students have a reasonable return; students in other programs face a difficult ROI. The 33.7-year payback period is the most important number for this group to confront directly.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($110,000-plus) pay $20,399 in net price. Given the institution's outcomes, families with the financial capacity to choose among a broader range of options should scrutinize whether Columbia College's specific environment and mission align with the student's career trajectory. There is little financial case for enrollment from a purely economic perspective at this income tier.
Earnings by Major
Top 8 most popular majors at Columbia College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $59,371 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $53,979 | C |
| Psychology | $32,207 | D |
| Teacher Education | $46,686 | D |
| Social Work | $44,276 | C |
| Homeland Security | $71,888 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $44,280 | C |
| Behavioral Sciences | $39,738 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Homeland Security
Homeland Security is Columbia College's strongest financial program, with graduates earning $67,338 one year out and $71,888 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 earns a B grade — the best ratio at the institution. With 8 graduates annually, the cohort is small, but outcomes are consistent with placement in federal and state security roles. This program stands apart from the institution's general profile and merits serious attention from career-focused students.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice graduates earn $50,519 one year out and $59,371 at four years, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that earns a C+ grade. The 30 graduates annually feed into South Carolina's public safety workforce. Earnings are well above the institutional median and represent a reasonable return at Columbia's net price for students who complete the program.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration graduates earn $42,514 one year out and $53,979 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 earns a C grade against $27,000 in median debt. The 24 annual graduates compete in the Columbia, South Carolina regional business market. Outcomes are modest relative to the net price and suggest that students focused on business would achieve stronger ROI at the University of South Carolina or Midlands Technical College transfer pathways.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education graduates earn $39,489 one year out and $46,686 at four years — consistent with South Carolina public school salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 earns a D grade. Teaching at Columbia College carries a higher debt burden relative to earnings than comparable education programs at South Carolina's public universities. Students committed to teaching careers should compare this program's outcomes against Winthrop University and Francis Marion University.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 45.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 55.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 51.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 51.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.9% |
| Enrollment | 1,343 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 54.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $5,937 |
Columbia College admitted 94% of applicants based on available data, with no published test score ranges — consistent with a broadly accessible mission. The institution's value proposition rests heavily on community, faith, and personal development rather than selectivity. Prospective students should focus their evaluation on financial aid packaging and specific program outcomes, particularly homeland security and criminal justice, which are standout performers.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Columbia College's peers include Anderson University SC, Lindsey Wilson College, and New England College — a group of small private colleges serving regional and faith-affiliated populations. Within this peer group, completion rates and earnings challenges are broadly shared. Anderson University SC, also in South Carolina and faith-affiliated, offers a comparison for prospective students weighing South Carolina private college options. Columbia College's commitment to women's leadership and Methodist mission provides non-financial value that these metrics do not capture.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College (this school) | 15 | $18,408 | $41,338 |
| Midway University | 24 | $29,579 | $44,246 |
| Anderson University | 24 | $23,544 | $42,101 |
| Lindsey Wilson College | 23 | $15,070 | $41,129 |
| New England College | 16 | $26,972 | $42,092 |
| Allen University | 3 | $10,972 | $30,497 |
Who Thrives Here
Columbia College primarily serves women — historically as a women's college, though it now admits men in some programs — in the Columbia, South Carolina metro area. The near-94% admission rate signals broad access. The high Pell Grant rate (54%) reflects a student body with significant financial need. Students who are committed to Columbia's specific community, faith-based (Methodist) environment, and student-centered culture may find value not reflected in financial metrics. However, completion and earnings data present a clear financial warning: students should enter with a strong plan for completing their degree and entering a specific career track.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Columbia College. With a net cost of $18,408 per year and median graduate earnings of only $41,338 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 33.7 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 36.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,750 against $41,338 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.