Columbia Southern University
About Columbia Southern University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbia Southern University is a for-profit online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama. It offers affordable online degree programs in business, criminal justice, fire science, and occupational safety for working professionals and military students.
Founded
1993
Location
Orange Beach, Alabama
Students
17,726
Institution
For-Profit
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
33.3%
Below national average
Tuition
$6,760
Per year
Avg Net Price
$14,580
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$63,534
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
33.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71%
4-Year Grad
18%
6-Year Grad
24%
Teaching Quality
28:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
40%
$/Student
$1.2K
Class Size
Large
The 18% graduation rate is below average, but 71% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$6,760
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$0
Total Cost of Attendance
$18,226
After Financial Aid
$14,580
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,913
Receive Grants
24.2%
Take Loans
25.8%
Tuition is $6,760/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $14,580.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Columbia Southern University fund their education.
While in School
24.2%
Get Grants
Free money
25.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$35,183
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,339
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$226/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 25.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,339. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Columbia Southern University.
Gender
36%
Female
64%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
12,176
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,550
Graduates
53.5%
First-Gen
34 yrs
Avg Age
92.1%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 34, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 53.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
12,176
Students
for-profit
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Other academic year calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Columbia Southern Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,534
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$58K
594 grads
1yr Earnings
Fire Protection
$83K
585 grads
1yr Earnings
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
$79K
521 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$60K
256 grads
1yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
$52K
128 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Resources Management and Services
$54K
96 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $67K at eight, and $64K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia Southern University
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.