Analysis
Columbia College's business program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance that should reassure parents seeking a reliable educational investment. With first-year earnings of $48,329, graduates earn slightly above the national average for business programs and rank in the 60th percentile among Missouri schools—a respectable showing in a competitive state market that includes major public universities.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging. At $28,100, student debt sits well below the national average and results in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. While debt levels are higher than the Missouri average of $22,732, the strong earnings performance helps offset this difference. The 12% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates build valuable career momentum, though they don't quite reach the income levels of top-tier programs like Mizzou.
For families considering Columbia College, this represents a fundamentally sound choice—graduates emerge with manageable debt and earning power that exceeds national benchmarks. The program won't catapult students into the highest income brackets, but it provides the reliable foundation that 44% of students receiving Pell grants are seeking. Parents can feel confident this investment will pay off without creating crushing financial burden.
Where Columbia College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | $48,329 | $54,280 | +12% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | +22% |
| Avila University | $47,530 | $65,226 | +37% |
| Lindenwood University | $47,821 | $56,644 | +18% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Columbia CollegeColumbia | $24,326 | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
 University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City | $11,988 | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
 Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles | $21,100 | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
 Avila UniversityKansas City | $38,672 | $47,530 | $65,226 | $32,750 | 0.69 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Columbia College, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 362 graduates with reported earnings and 420 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.