AAMU vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Columbus State University in Columbus, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than AAMU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 7,295 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

AAMU vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State University than AAMU ($12,420 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama A & M University are 2.7% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,402 vs. $11,720).
• Alabama A & M University is 70% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $4,126 more per year; $10,024.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at AAMU than at Columbus State University (about $1,024 more per year; $18,634.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Alabama A & M University (89% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 42.7% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($12,844 vs. $9,003).

AAMU vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State and AAMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alabama A & M University (930) is the same as at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at AAMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040; Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19; Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than AAMU (58%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 31.8% at Columbus State.

AAMU vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and Columbus State? 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).

• Alabama A & M University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($26,000 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($268 vs. $361).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 25%)

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.