Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama · Private For-Profit
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
Columbia Southern University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $6,760/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $6,760/yr |
| Average net price | $14,580/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $58,320 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,534 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $57,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,339 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $226 |
| Estimated payback period | 7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 33.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,176 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $12,913 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,455 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,569 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,226 |
| $110,001+ | $17,408 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Columbia Southern University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,343 | C+ |
| Fire Protection | $88,735 | B+ |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $94,480 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $70,354 | C+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $61,821 | D |
| Human Resources Management | $62,061 | C |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $49,618 | D |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $77,738 | C |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $81,292 | B |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $95,774 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Columbia Southern University is $6,760/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,580/year, or roughly $58,320 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,913/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,408/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,339 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $226 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $63,534 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.37 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 51.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 58.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 51.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 59.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 12,176 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 24.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $4,485 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University (this school) | 69 | $14,580 | $63,534 |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | 75 | $31,837 | $92,405 |
| West Coast University-Ontario | 71 | $49,590 | $102,672 |
| West Coast University-Los Angeles | 69 | $53,020 | $102,672 |
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | 64 | $18,540 | $61,480 |
| South University-Montgomery | 7 | $27,807 | $34,421 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Columbia Southern University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $14,580 per year leads to $58,320 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $63,534 a decade out. The payback period of 7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 33.3% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,339 against $63,534 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.