# Columbia Southern University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-southern-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Orange Beach, AL
- **Type:** Private for-profit
- **Setting:** Town
- **Region:** Southeast
- **Enrollment:** 12,176
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's
- **Online Only:** Yes

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

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

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $12,913 |
| $30K-$48K | $13,455 |
| $48K-$75K | $15,569 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $17,408 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 35% |
| Retention Rate | 71% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $55,140 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $60,123 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $63,534 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.34x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Criminal Justice | 38% |
| Business & Marketing | 22% |
| Health Professions | 10% |
| Computer Science & IT | 4% |
| Humanities | 2% |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Columbia Southern University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-southern-university