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Columbia Southern University vs Samford University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Orange Beach AL · vs · Private nonprofit, Birmingham AL

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Columbia Southern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,320 in 3.8 years versus 12.9 years at Samford University, on median earnings of $63,534 vs $58,469 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureColumbia Southern UniversitySamford University
Net price / yr$14,580$32,622
Total net cost$58,320$130,488
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,534$58,469
Median debt$21,339$19,500
Payback3.8 yrs12.9 yrs
20-year net return$245,160$71,692

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Columbia Southern University or Samford University?

Columbia Southern University, at $14,580 a year after aid versus $32,622 — a gap of $18,042 a year, or $72,168 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Columbia Southern University or Samford University graduates earn more?

Columbia Southern University graduates report a median $63,534 ten years after entry, $5,065 more than the $58,469 at Samford University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Columbia Southern University or Samford University?

Samford University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $21,339 at Columbia Southern University, a difference of $1,839. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

77% of students finish at Samford University, against 33% at Columbia Southern University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Columbia Southern University vs Samford University: frequently asked questions

Is Columbia Southern University or Samford University a better value?
Columbia Southern University. It clears its $58,320 net cost in about 3.8 years versus 12.9 years at Samford University, on median earnings of $63,534 vs $58,469 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Columbia Southern University or Samford University?
Columbia Southern University: $14,580/yr net price after aid versus $32,622/yr at Samford University — a difference of $18,042 a year, or about $72,168 over four years.
Do Columbia Southern University or Samford University graduates earn more?
Columbia Southern University graduates earn a median $63,534 ten years after entry, versus $58,469 at Samford University — a $5,065 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.