Business/Commerce at Columbia College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Columbia College graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
| Lindenwood University | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
| Avila University | $47,530 | $65,226 | $32,750 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $55,999 | $21,500 |
| University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis | $13,440 | $48,928 | $21,538 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City | $11,988 | $48,603 | $21,853 |
| Lindenwood University Saint Charles | $21,100 | $47,821 | $31,000 |
| Avila University Kansas City | $38,672 | $47,530 | $32,750 |
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.