Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / TN / Columbia
Columbia State Community College logo

Columbia State Community College

Public Columbia, TN · Town · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
30%
Graduation Rate
$40,256
Earnings (10yr)
$4,734
Net Price
3,897
Enrollment

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

Columbia State Community College is a solid choice for students seeking affordable education in a supportive environment. With an enrollment of nearly 3,900, it caters to those interested in programs such as Humanities, Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Education, and Computer Science & IT. This variety means students can find a path that aligns with their career goals while receiving personalized attention from faculty.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $40,256 within ten years. Though the graduation rate stands at 30%, this doesn't tell the whole story. Many students who do complete their programs find meaningful employment and start to build their careers, making the investment in education worthwhile. Affordability is also a key factor, with a net price of just $4,734 after aid, making it accessible for a wide range of students.

Financially, the college is manageable for most, with a median debt of $8,500 upon graduation. This debt level is relatively low, especially when compared to potential earnings. Students who thrive here are often those who take advantage of the resources and support systems in place, focusing on their studies and engaging with the community around them. It's a place where commitment and hard work can lead to real opportunities.

Rankings

How Columbia Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation30%Earnings 10yr$40KNet Price$5KRetention55%Median Debt$9KPell Grant Rate30%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$4K$0-30K$4K$30-48K$6K$48-75K$6K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1054.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%936.7%MOBILITY98.81%

Cost & Financial Aid

$5,296
In-State Tuition
$18,112
Out-of-State
$4,734
Avg Net Price
$8,500
Median Debt
30%
Pell Grant Rate
5%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$4,083
Family Income $0–$30K
$4,125
Family Income $30K–$48K
$5,995
Family Income $48K–$75K
$6,252
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$35,400
6 Years After Entry
$38,174
8 Years
$40,256
10 Years
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
51%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$35,400 6yr $38,174 8yr $40,256 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

98.81%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
936.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1054.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$74,300
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.06
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.04
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 55%
Full-Time Faculty 100%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,556
Diversity Index 0.48
First-Gen Students 44%

Top Programs

Humanities 60%
Health Professions 23%
Business & Marketing 6%
Education 2%
Computer Science & IT 2%
Criminal Justice 1%

Quick Facts

Setting Town
Region Southeast
Accreditor Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Predominant Degree Associate's

Student Body

Female
63%
White
70%
Hispanic
12%
Black
8%
Asian
2%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →