Columbia Southern Academic Snapshot
Tuition Overview:
- Tuition: $6,224
- Tuition is relatively affordable compared to national averages for private institutions.
Student Population at Columbia Southern:
- Total Enrollment: 17,763, including 17,763 online students
- 12,213 Undergraduate, 5,550 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 62.1% men, 37.9% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 33%. Lower graduation rate, which may reflect challenges in student retention or completion.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 71%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 65 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 65 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 13 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
Columbia Southern Overview
Columbia Southern University (Columbia Southern) is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Orange Beach, AL. It is classified as Master's College and University with larger programs by Carnegie Classification, also known as M1 Master's College. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at M1 Master's College comparison page.
The Columbia Southern's tuition & fees is $6,224 for the academic year 2024-2025. 28% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $4,295.
The school has a total enrollment of 17,763 and the students to faculty ratio is 37 to 1 (2.70%).
Columbia Southern ranked 20th in Alabama Colleges rankings. Columbia Southern University is accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Columbia Southern University is $6,224. For graduate programs, its 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $3,936.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $6,670 based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $4,056.
| Undergraduate | $6,224 |
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| Graduate | $3,936 |
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| Undergraduate | $6,670 |
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| Graduate | $4,056 |
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The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
At Columbia Southern University, all courses can be done through online classes completely (both undergraduate and graduate degrees).
Special Learning Opportunities at Columbia Southern
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | No |
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| Weekend/Evening College | No |
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| Teacher Certification | No |
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| Study Abroad | No |
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| On-Campus Services |
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| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
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| Employment services for students | Yes |
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| Placement services for completers | No |
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| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
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Columbia Southern University Directory Information
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