Private for-profit Institution

Columbia Southern University — Orange Beach, Alabama

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Annual Tuition $5,808

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 13,053

Active Students

Avg. Salary $63,534

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Orange Beach, Alabama
Institution type Private for-profit
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 3/6/2008

Academic Mission & Environment

"Columbia Southern University stands as a pillar of higher education in Orange Beach, providing a robust academic foundation for 13,053 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Columbia Southern University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Columbia Southern University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Security & Law Enforcement
36.8%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
22.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
21.7%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
10.3%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
3.9%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
2.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Columbia Southern University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia Southern University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Columbia Southern University maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 66.1%
Women Enrollment 34%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Columbia Southern University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Columbia Southern University.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Columbia Southern University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $5,808
Out-of-State Tuition $5,808

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 21.2%
Median Student Debt $21,339

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $5,808, graduates see a median starting salary of $63,534, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Alabama.

What salary can Columbia Southern University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $63,534

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 37.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,975
Median Salary (6yr) $55,140
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach?

13,053 Students

Gender Comparison

66.1% Men
34% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

58.8%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

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

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 34
🎓
First-Generation 53.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 72.2%
🎖️
Veterans 2.9%
💍
Married Students 45%
🔄
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
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Orange Beach Campus Environment

Located at 21982 University Lane, Columbia Southern University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Alabama. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Columbia Southern University

Is Columbia Southern University a good college in Orange Beach, Alabama?
Columbia Southern University is a recognized institution in Orange Beach with an enrollment of 13,053 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Alabama.
Is Columbia Southern University worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $63,534 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Columbia Southern University cost for Alabama residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Columbia Southern University is approximately $5,808. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $5,808. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Columbia Southern University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Columbia Southern University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 72.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Columbia Southern University good for Security & Law Enforcement and Business & Marketing programs?
Columbia Southern University reports program activity in Security & Law Enforcement and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Columbia Southern University?
Graduates of Columbia Southern University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Security & Law Enforcement. With a median salary of $63,534, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Columbia Southern University?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Columbia Southern University's official admissions website.
Does Columbia Southern University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Columbia Southern University's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Columbia Southern University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Columbia Southern University earn a median salary of $63,534 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Columbia Southern University a good investment compared to other AL colleges?
Compare Columbia Southern University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Alabama to judge value for your goals.
Where is Columbia Southern University located and what is the campus like?
Columbia Southern University is located at 21982 University Lane in Orange Beach, AL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 13,053 learners.
Who typically attends Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, AL?
The student body at Columbia Southern University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 53.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Alabama

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Columbia Southern University with other leading institutions in Alabama across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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