Columbus, GA · Private University
Is Columbus State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,544
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$5,751
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,805
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$67,220
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.65x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
41.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,889
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Columbus State University graduates earn $456 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 Columbus State University ranked by graduate earnings
99 graduates
302 graduates
21 graduates
27 graduates
57 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Columbus State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Columbus State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $69,829) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $27,436) is $42,393/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $69,829 | 4.2x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,973 | 4.0x |
| Management Information Systems and Services(1yr data) | $53,153 | 3.2x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $49,844 | 3.0x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $49,756 | 3.0x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,946 | 2.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,810 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $42,190 | 2.5x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $41,431 | 2.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,376 | 2.4x |
| Sociology | $38,820 | 2.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,204 | 2.3x |
| Marketing | $37,769 | 2.3x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,524 | 2.2x |
| Psychology, General | $36,840 | 2.2x |
| Biology, General | $36,759 | 2.2x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $35,031 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies(1yr data) | $32,078 | 1.9x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $27,436 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Columbus State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $44,544 10 years after starting, $456 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7 years, a reasonable timeline.
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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.