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Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama — 21982 University Lane, 36561-9000

Annual Tuition $5,808
Enrollment 13,053
Acceptance Rate N/A
Median Salary $63,534

Columbia Southern University is a leading Private for-profit institution located in Orange Beach, Alabama. Established to provide high-quality education, Columbia Southern University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Columbia Southern University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 3/6/2008
Location Orange Beach, Alabama
Type Private for-profit
Total Enrollment 13,053 students
Median Salary $63,534

Columbia Southern University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Columbia Southern University
Location Orange Beach, Alabama
Official Website https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/
Address 21982 University Lane
Orange Beach, AL 36561-9000
Institution Type Private for-profit
Total Students 13,053

Columbia Southern University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate Not Reported
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

Columbia Southern University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $5,808
Out-of-State Tuition $5,808
Pell Grant Rate 21.2%
Median Debt (Completers) $21,339

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Columbia Southern University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Homeland Security. salary after Columbia Southern University

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $71,473 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $85,364 4yr: $78,906
2

Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. salary after Columbia Southern University

Associate's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,785 median/yr
Median debt $16,710 at graduation
Salary/debt 418% ROI ratio
1yr: $74,871 4yr: $75,825
3

Fire Protection. salary after Columbia Southern University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,691 median/yr
Median debt $21,248 at graduation
Salary/debt 328% ROI ratio
1yr: $82,718 4yr: $80,338

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Columbia Southern University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

Acceptance rate data is not reported for Columbia Southern University in the current Department of Education dataset.

Total Students 13,053
Undergrad 7,677
Retention Rate 58.8% full-time
Full-Time Students 60.2%

Courses and Academic Programs at Columbia Southern University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Master's
Graduates 2,414
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,855
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,476
Fire Protection.
Associate's
Graduates 1,146
Fire Protection.
Bachelor's
Graduates 995
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians.
Associate's
Graduates 788
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians.
Master's
Graduates 741
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Associate's
Graduates 713
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Bachelor's
Graduates 540
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Associate's
Graduates 416
Showing top 10 of 49 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Columbia Southern University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $63,534 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $55,140
Graduation Rate 37.2% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Columbia Southern University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $55,140
10 Years After Entry $63,534
Is Columbia Southern University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $14,975
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $63,534
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 487700%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Columbia Southern University

Total Students 13,053
Undergrad 7,677
Graduate 5,376
Retention Rate 58.8% full-time

Gender Breakdown

34%
66.1%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 60.2%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
62.2%
Black
16.4%
Unknown / Unreported
13.8%
Two or More Races
2.7%
Hispanic
1.7%
Asian
1.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native
1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.6%
International
0%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 34
🎓
First-Generation 53.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 72.2%
🎖️
Veterans 2.9%
💍
Married Students 45%
📅
Students Age 25+ 92.1%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 29.6%

Student Economic Background

Average Family Income $43,352
Median Family Income $35,183

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

60.4%
39.6%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 28:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 21.2% of students
Federal Loan Rate 23.8% of students
Avg Net Price $14,975 after aid
Median Debt $21,339 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $21,339
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $4,109
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $21,325

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Columbia Southern University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Columbia Southern University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Private for-profit
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 3/6/2008
4-Year Graduation Rate 37.2%
Median Graduate Salary $63,534
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Columbia Southern University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Columbia Southern University

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Southern University

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia Southern University?

Acceptance rate data for Columbia Southern University is not reported in the 2026 U.S. Department of Education dataset.

How much is tuition at Columbia Southern University?

Tuition at Columbia Southern University is $5,808 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Columbia Southern University?

Graduates of Columbia Southern University earn a median salary of $63,534 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Columbia Southern University located?

Columbia Southern University is located at 21982 University Lane, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561-9000. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

View Methodology & E-E-A-T Compliance