Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private For-Profit4-year

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama Β· Town: FringeOfficial Website β†—

#1112
Nationally
#15
In Alabama
$5,528
Annual Tuition
per year
30%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
13,111
Undergrad Enrollment
10,000–19,999
Overall Score & Rankings
54/100
Good
#1112 nationally
#15 in Alabama
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes30
πŸ’°Affordability77
🎯Selectivity50
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth78

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit four-year university located in Orange Beach, Alabama. The college enrolls approximately 13,111 undergraduate students. Annual tuition is $5,528, significantly below average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $11,546 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 30%, which is below average compared to the national average of 63%.

Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$5,528/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$5,808/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$5,528↑ Above avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$11,546
$30,001 – $48,000$12,429
$48,001 – $75,000$12,386
$75,001 – $110,000$13,914
Over $110,000$14,575
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate30%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
13,111
Total Undergrads
34% F / 66% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 62%
Hispanic 2%
Black 16%
Asian 2%
Two or more 3%
International 0%
Native / Other 1%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($5,528/yr) is well below the national average for private for-profit colleges
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 30% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
Who Is This College Best For?

This institution serves a broad range of students. Contact the admissions office to learn more about the student community and campus culture.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate For-Profit
LocationOrange Beach, Alabama
SettingTown: Fringe
Size10,000–19,999
Affordability Spotlight
$11,546
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#15
in Alabama out of 7+ colleges
#1112
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.