Columbia College provides exceptional access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, ranking in the top 10% nationally for serving these populations who often face the greatest barriers to higher education.
Graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations despite the college's focus on access over selectivity, and maintain perfect loan repayment records.
Columbia College is a small private nonprofit institution in South Carolina that prioritizes access and student support over selectivity. With more than half of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students, the college serves a population that often needs extra academic and financial support to succeed. The institution's 53% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to helping students from diverse backgrounds complete their degrees, even when they face significant financial and academic challenges.
While Columbia College doesn't rank among the top institutions nationally for earnings outcomes, it provides a valuable pathway for students who might struggle at larger, more competitive universities. Graduates earn a median of $41,338 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the national average for earnings outcomes. The college's small size and personalized approach create an environment where students can build close relationships with faculty and receive individualized attention throughout their academic journey.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Columbia College faces challenges in delivering the highest earnings for low-income students, but it continues to serve an important role in providing educational access. The college's focus on adult and continuing education, along with business programs, reflects its commitment to serving working adults and non-traditional students who need flexible pathways to complete their education.
Columbia College's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving working adults and non-traditional students seeking practical career preparation. Business Administration and Management stands out as the strongest aggregate return program, combining solid enrollment of 25 graduates with competitive earnings of $42,123 ten years after graduation. This program represents the college's core strength in preparing students for management and entrepreneurial roles in the regional economy.
Adult and Continuing Education serves as the college's largest program by enrollment, graduating 32 students annually with median earnings of $30,305. While earnings are more modest, this program reflects the institution's commitment to serving working adults who need flexible pathways to complete their education and advance in fields like education, training, and community services. The program's size demonstrates strong regional demand for continuing education opportunities.
The college's focused program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that align with regional workforce needs. Rather than offering a broad liberal arts curriculum, Columbia College concentrates on programs that provide clear pathways to employment, particularly for students who may be balancing work and family responsibilities while completing their degrees. This targeted approach helps explain why graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations despite the college's resource constraints.
Columbia College graduates achieve moderate earnings outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on access over maximum financial returns. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $41,338, which places the college around the national average for earnings performance. However, graduates do benefit from earnings that exceed expectations by about $9,111 compared with similar students at other institutions, suggesting the college adds meaningful value despite serving a challenging student population.
The college's program mix centers on practical, career-focused fields that prepare students for stable employment. Business Administration and Management represents the strongest aggregate return program, with 25 graduates earning a median of $42,123 ten years out. Adult and Continuing Education serves as the largest program by enrollment with 32 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $30,305, reflecting the field's focus on education and social service careers rather than high-salary outcomes.
While Columbia College may not produce the highest-earning graduates, the institution's small scale and personalized approach help students develop skills and networks that support steady career progression. The college's emphasis on serving working adults and non-traditional students means many graduates enter fields like education, business services, and community organizations where earnings grow steadily over time, even if starting salaries are moderate.
Columbia College maintains relatively consistent net prices across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $23,126 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $22,849, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,106. This pricing structure reflects the college's commitment to keeping education affordable for the working-class and first-generation students who make up much of its enrollment.
The college's financial aid approach helps students manage costs without taking on excessive debt. Typical graduates leave with about $22,750 in federal student loan debt, a manageable level given the institution's focus on practical career preparation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,714, which is relatively modest and suggests families can contribute meaningfully without overextending financially. The college's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates, while earning moderate incomes, are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes Columbia College particularly sustainable for many families is its predictable cost structure and strong support systems that help students complete their degrees. The consistent net prices across income bands mean families can plan effectively, and the college's focus on degree completion helps ensure that students don't accumulate debt without earning their credential.
Columbia College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
