Columbia College
Columbia College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Columbia College Worth It?
At a value score of 22/100, Columbia College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,378 — 16% below average — while paying $22,715/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $23,879 representing 53% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Columbia College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Columbia College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MO
Ranked #67 of 89 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #2 | Otterbein University | 47 | $19,237 | $53,313 |
| #3 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #4 | Ensign College | 44 | $10,824 | $50,630 |
| #5 | Berry College | 43 | $22,320 | $53,800 |
| #6 | Mercy University | 43 | $14,072 | $52,055 |
| #67 | Columbia College | 22 | $22,715 | $45,378 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Columbia College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in MO.
Best Programs at Columbia College
The highest-earning program at Columbia College is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $51,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $30,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Columbia College earns $51,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $30,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $24,928 in median debt vs. $25,062 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,715/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $51,600 | $51,600 | $24,928 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $49,400 | $49,400 | $27,203 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $45,600 | $45,600 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,700 | $43,700 | $28,506 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $41,300 | $41,300 | $26,732 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $40,500 | $40,500 | $29,976 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $39,200 | $39,200 | $20,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $39,000 | $39,000 | $27,021 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,800 | $36,800 | $28,125 |
| Marketing | $36,400 | $36,400 | $21,667 |
| History | $32,200 | $32,200 | $24,596 |
| Sociology | $30,900 | $30,900 | $26,884 |
| Human Services, General | $30,700 | $30,700 | $28,577 |
| Psychology, General | $30,400 | $30,400 | $25,062 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbia, MO
- Student Body
- 4,950 students
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,715
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,378
- Median Student Debt
- $23,879