Adrian College vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Adrian College in Adrian, MI with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Adrian College is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (1,765 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adrian College is located in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adrian College 16:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Adrian College vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adrian College or Columbia College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia College than Adrian College ($18,790 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 53.7% lower than at Adrian College ($9,390 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 87.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $19,470 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.6% higher at Adrian College than at Columbia College (about $19,470 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adrian College than at Columbia College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 82.2% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($29,966 vs. $16,451).

Adrian College vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adrian College or Columbia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia College and Adrian College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Adrian College (1010) is 10 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Adrian College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 873/1140; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 21/27; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adrian College - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Adrian College (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.3% at Adrian College vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Adrian College vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adrian College and Columbia College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Adrian College's (49%).
• Graduates from Adrian College earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,900 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,736 lower median loan debt than Adrian College graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adrian College graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Adrian College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 43%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.