Columbus State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Columbus State University?

Columbus State University reports graduation rates that fall within the lower range nationally. The overall graduation rate stands at 42%, placing the university in the bottom 25% compared to its peers. Male students have a slightly lower completion rate of 37%, while female students graduate at a rate of 45%, which is near the bottom 20% nationwide.

The four-year graduation rate is notably low at 22%, positioning the university in the bottom 20% among similar institutions. After six years, the graduation rate improves somewhat to 42%, but it remains in the bottom 25% percentile.

Retention rates, reflecting the percentage of first-time students continuing after their first year, are average at 73%, ranking Columbus State University near the lower half of institutions nationally. This suggests that nearly three-quarters of freshmen return for a subsequent year, indicating moderate student persistence despite the challenges reflected in graduation metrics.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Columbus State University?

Graduates from Columbus State University show a diverse range of earning outcomes depending on their chosen field of study. Those who pursued degrees in healthcare, such as Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing, stand out with the highest median earnings, around $61,920. This marks a significant premium compared to other disciplines offered at the university.

In the technology and computer science sectors, students with degrees in Management Information Systems and Services and Computer and Information Sciences, General, earn substantial incomes, with median earnings reported at $52,725 and $50,668 respectively. These figures highlight strong earning potential in technical fields for graduates looking to enter the workforce with competitive salaries.

Financial and business-related degrees also reflect promising prospects. Graduates in Finance and Financial Management Services earn about $44,742, while those in Accounting and Related Services earn an average of $39,174. Business Administration, Management and Operations and Marketing graduates have median earnings of $31,730 and $30,308 correspondingly, demonstrating a respectable return in business-oriented studies.

Teacher Education and Professional Development, with specific levels and methods or subject areas, provide graduates with median salaries just above $36,000, signifying steady demand and compensation for educators. Communication and Media Studies graduates see earnings near $31,890, while Criminal Justice and Corrections majors earn around $33,237, showing viable opportunities in social sciences and public service fields.

Other programs like Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies offer mid-level earnings near $34,751, whereas Psychology graduates average $28,215. Meanwhile, Sociology majors earn approximately $27,226, and those studying Health Services or Allied Health fields reach median earnings of $26,933.

The liberal arts have more modest earning potentials at Columbus State University. English Language and Literature graduates earn roughly $24,252, Biology majors about $22,107, and students in Fine and Studio Arts and Music typically earn lower incomes, $19,652 and $17,516 respectively. These figures suggest that while these fields may offer fulfilling career paths, they tend to yield lower initial salaries compared to STEM and professional disciplines.