Columbia College
Bottom line: A C- overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 10.2× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $10.2 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $10.2 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $680,471.
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What The Data Says
A C- overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
Graduation of 45% — 21% below the national average.
Every $1 invested returns $10.2 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Columbia College
Columbia College is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 1,343
- Setting
- Urban
- Designations
- 71
- Primary Strengths
- Education, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Criminal Justice
Why students choose Columbia College
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 94% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $18,408 a year after grants and scholarships — 7% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $41,338 ten years after enrolling — 1% above the typical college, against $22,750 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 94%, Columbia College is a welcoming choice for students who may want a supportive community as they pursue their education. This school is particularly well-suited for those interested in programs like Education, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. The smaller enrollment of just over 1,300 students means more personalized attention in the classroom, which can be a significant advantage for many.
After graduation, students typically earn around $41,338 within ten years. That’s a solid starting point, especially for those who may have faced financial challenges during their studies. The college’s affordability is also notable, with a net price of $18,408 after aid. For many graduates, this balance of income and cost can make a meaningful difference in their financial stability as they start their careers.
When we look at the practicalities, the median debt is $22,750, which is manageable for most graduates given their earnings potential. The majority of students here are recipients of Pell Grants, indicating that many come from lower-income backgrounds. Those who thrive at Columbia College often appreciate a supportive environment and are focused on practical outcomes, making it a fitting choice for students who prioritize both education and community.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Columbia College is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Columbia College? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Columbia College, located in Columbia, South Carolina, keeps admissions accessible, extending offers to roughly 94% of those who apply. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 45%.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Columbia College? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
When weighing the true cost of attending Columbia College, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $22,214 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $18,408 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,541 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $22,750.
What Families Actually Pay
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Columbia College Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Columbia College report median earnings of $41,338; prospective students should weigh that figure against the program's cost when calculating return on investment.
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
How Columbia Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Columbia College Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Columbia College delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $18,408/year ($73,632 total). Graduates earn $41,338 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $754,103 in total earnings — a net gain of $680,471 (10.2× your investment). The median debt is $22,750, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 45% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
Top Programs
The fields Columbia College awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Columbia College's most popular programs, with median pay and projected growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Columbia College? Acceptance Rate & Requirements +
Columbia College, located in Columbia, South Carolina, keeps admissions accessible, extending offers to roughly 94% of those who apply. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 45%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Columbia College? Tuition, Net Price & Aid +
When weighing the true cost of attending Columbia College, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $22,214 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $18,408 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,541 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $22,750.
Is Columbia College Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI +
Ten years out, alumni of Columbia College report median earnings of $41,338; prospective students should weigh that figure against the program's cost when calculating return on investment.
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