Columbus State University vs American InterContinental University-Atlanta: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Columbus State University comes closer — median earnings $44,544 against a $52,460 total, vs $36,144 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Columbus State University | American InterContinental University-Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,115 | $16,482 |
| Total net cost | $52,460 | $65,928 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,544 | $36,144 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $31,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$128,780 | -$310,248 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Columbus State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?
Columbus State University, at $13,115 a year after aid versus $16,482 — a gap of $3,367 a year, or $13,468 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Columbus State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn more?
Columbus State University graduates report a median $44,544 ten years after entry, $8,400 more than the $36,144 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. 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, Columbus State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?
Columbus State University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $31,000 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
42% of students finish at Columbus State University, against 21% at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. 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.