Alabama State vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama State University in Montgomery, 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 Alabama State based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Alabama State 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 State University 15:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

Alabama State vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State 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 Alabama State ($12,420 vs. $13,138).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 33.3% lower than at Columbus State University ($7,816 vs. $11,720).
• Alabama State University is 90.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,350 more per year; $11,248.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Alabama State than at Columbus State University (about $1,966 more per year; $19,576.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Alabama State University (89% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama State University students is 28.7% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($11,583 vs. $9,003).

Alabama State vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State 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 Alabama State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is 70 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Alabama State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027; Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at Alabama State (2.95).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Alabama State (97.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 31.8% at Columbus State.

Alabama State vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Alabama State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $6,091 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($26,000 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($268 vs. $331).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 20%)

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.