Degree Dividend
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Columbus State University vs Andrew College: which has better ROI?

Public, Columbus GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Cuthbert GA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Columbus State University comes closer — median earnings $44,544 against a $52,460 total, vs $38,475 at Andrew College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureColumbus State UniversityAndrew College
Net price / yr$13,115$21,823
Total net cost$52,460$43,646
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,544$38,475
Median debt$26,000$12,533
Payback
20-year net return-$128,780-$241,346

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

Which is cheaper, Columbus State University or Andrew College?

Columbus State University, at $13,115 a year after aid versus $21,823 — a gap of $8,708 a year, or $8,814 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 Andrew College graduates earn more?

Columbus State University graduates report a median $44,544 ten years after entry, $6,069 more than the $38,475 at Andrew College. 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 Andrew College?

Andrew College: its completers carry a median $12,533 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Columbus State University, a difference of $13,467. 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 33% at Andrew College. 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.

Columbus State University vs Andrew College: frequently asked questions

Is Columbus State University or Andrew College a better value?
Columbus State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Columbus State University or Andrew College?
Columbus State University: $13,115/yr net price after aid versus $21,823/yr at Andrew College — a difference of $8,708 a year, or about $8,814 over four years.
Do Columbus State University or Andrew College graduates earn more?
Columbus State University graduates earn a median $44,544 ten years after entry, versus $38,475 at Andrew College — a $6,069 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.