Business at Columbus State University

Columbus, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Commerce, General
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,852/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 23.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #118 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $539K $535K $495K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.4x 23.3x 21.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$23,004
Out-of-state: $67,220 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,556
-107% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,271
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,852 place Columbus State University below the $48,211 national median for Business — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 23.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $37,852/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #118 ranking among 242 Business programs places Columbus State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 43% earnings increase from $37,852 to $54,271 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Columbus State University

Columbus State University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 5,537 students in Columbus, GA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbus State University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business at Columbus State University?
At 64/100, Columbus State University's Business program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business at Columbus State University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Columbus State University a good choice for Business despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Columbus State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →