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Colleges / AL / Orange Beach
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Columbia Southern University

Private for-profit Orange Beach, AL · Town · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
35%
Graduation Rate
$63,534
Earnings (10yr)
$14,580
Net Price
12,176
Enrollment

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 12,000 students, Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama, caters to those seeking flexible online education, especially in fields like Criminal Justice, Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Humanities. This school is ideal for working adults or those balancing various commitments. The focus on practical skills and career-focused programs can be attractive for students prioritizing immediate job readiness.

After graduation, we see that the average earnings for alumni after ten years is around $63,534. While the graduation rate sits at 35%, many students who complete their studies find themselves in a better financial position compared to where they started. Affordability is another key point; the net price after aid is approximately $14,580. This means that students can expect a manageable cost for a degree that aims to enhance their earning potential.

Addressing the practical aspects, the median debt for graduates is around $21,339, which is relatively moderate given the potential earnings. The 24% of students receiving Pell Grants indicates that there is some support for those from lower-income backgrounds. Generally, students who thrive here are motivated individuals looking for flexibility and a direct path toward career advancement, often balancing work and study effectively.

How Columbia Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation35%Earnings 10yr$64KNet Price$15KRetention71%Median Debt$21KPell Grant Rate24%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$13K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$16K$48-75K$17K$110K+

Cost & Financial Aid

$6,760
In-State Tuition
$6,760
Out-of-State
$14,580
Avg Net Price
$21,339
Median Debt
24%
Pell Grant Rate
26%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,913
Family Income $0–$30K
$13,455
Family Income $30K–$48K
$15,569
Family Income $48K–$75K
$17,408
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$55,140
6 Years After Entry
$60,123
8 Years
$63,534
10 Years
0.34x
Debt-to-Earnings
88%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$55,140 6yr $60,123 8yr $63,534 10yr

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 71%
Full-Time Faculty 40%
Faculty Salary (mo) $4,485
Diversity Index 0.59
First-Gen Students 54%

Top Programs

Criminal Justice 38%
Business & Marketing 22%
Health Professions 10%
Computer Science & IT 4%
Humanities 2%

Quick Facts

Setting Town
Region Southeast
Accreditor Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Predominant Degree Bachelor's
Online Only Yes

Student Body

Female
52%
White
61%
Hispanic
1%
Black
19%
Asian
1%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

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