Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a large private non-profit master's university (large program) located in Orange Beach, Alabama, with an undergraduate enrollment of 12,176. The institution offers master's-level programs across multiple professional and academic fields alongside its undergraduate curriculum, serving students seeking advanced credentials in applied disciplines. As an independently governed, non-profit institution relying on tuition, endowment returns, and philanthropic support, it operates within the broader Alabama postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. The institution maintains an open-admissions policy for most of its programs, making it accessible to a broad range of prospective students. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $15,569 per year. The 4-year graduation rate is 35%, 10 percentage points below the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $63,534. The student-to-faculty ratio is 37:1. Prospective students are encouraged to review net price calculators and complete the FAFSA early, as institutional aid availability varies significantly by family income level.