Columbia Southern University (CSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Columbia Southern University
Headquartered on the Gulf Coast, Columbia Southern University is known for flexible online learning that fits working lives. Academics lean into applied fields like business, public safety, health care, and technology, with instructors who bring job-tested know how to class. Students tap a robust digital library, tech support, advising, tutoring, and a writing center, plus dedicated help for service members and adult learners. It's practical and steady, not flashy.
Student life unfolds online through clubs, honor societies, webinars, and community forums, then comes together at coastal commencement gatherings that feel like a reunion. The culture is friendly, pragmatic, and focused on outcomes. Career prep shows up in coaching, resume reviews, and connections to professional associations that can open doors. Being based in Orange Beach adds a breezy perk for visits, with beachside trails, local arts, and a service minded community that offers real volunteer and networking options.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers 28 degree programs across 9 major academic fields, graduating approximately 7,773 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Security & Safety (8 programs, 2,381 graduates), Business (8 programs, 2,367 graduates), Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 1,766 graduates), Health (5 programs, 654 graduates) and Computer & IT (2 programs, 234 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Security & Safety (8 programs, 2,381 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Services Administration | 974 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0202 |
| Fire Science and Firefighting | 613 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
43.0203 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 311 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0103 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 188 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
43.0107 |
| Homeland Security | 141 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0301 |
| Crisis and Emergency Management | 139 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
43.0302 |
| Critical Infrastructure Protection | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0303 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0406 |
Business (8 programs, 2,367 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 1,847 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Organizational Leadership | 328 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0213 |
| Human Resources Management | 162 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
52.1001 |
| Project Management | 16 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
52.0211 |
| Human Resources Development | 9 |
|
Master's
|
52.1005 |
| Finance, General | 3 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
52.0801 |
| Hospitality Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0901 |
| Marketing Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1401 |
Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 1,766 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Safety and Health Technology | 1,766 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Other Award
|
15.0701 |
Health (5 programs, 654 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology | 245 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.0904 |
| Health Administration and Management | 150 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
51.0701 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician | 113 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
51.1502 |
| Public Health | 96 |
|
Master's
|
51.2201 |
| Medical Insurance Coding | 50 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0713 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 234 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 136 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
11.0103 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 98 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
11.1003 |
Public Services (1 programs, 160 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | 160 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 109 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 109 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
03.0103 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 101 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 101 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Education (1 programs, 1 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Technology | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.0501 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Columbia Southern University (CSU)
How much does it cost to attend Columbia Southern University (CSU)?
The annual tuition at Columbia Southern University (CSU) is $5,808 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $5,808 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,932 (off-campus) .
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Columbia Southern University offer?
Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers 28 academic programs across 9 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (8 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (8 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University (CSU) provides financial aid to 2% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $3,995 and average loans of $6,182.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,115
- Institutional grants: $601
- Federal loans: $6,182
The university supports 100 students with grants and 96 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Columbia Southern University graduates?
Columbia Southern University (CSU) graduates earn a median salary of $55,140 after 6 years and $63,534 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,559 (25th percentile) to $93,506 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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