Columbia, SC · Private University
Is Columbia College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$41,338
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$21,450
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,450
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$85,800
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.93x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
13.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
53.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$23,650
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Columbia College graduates earn $3,662 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Columbia College ranked by graduate earnings
49 graduates
42 graduates
120 graduates
25 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Columbia College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Columbia College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Homeland Security: $67,338) and the lowest (Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: $34,568) is $32,770/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Homeland SecurityBest ROI(1yr data) | $67,338 | 3.1x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,511 | 2.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,561 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsLowest | $34,568 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Columbia College offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,338 10 years after starting, $3,662 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 13.5 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.