Albany State University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Albany State University in Albany, GA with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Albany State University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,768 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Albany State University is located in Albany, GA (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Albany State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Albany State University 21:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Albany State University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Albany State University 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 Albany State University than Columbia College ($11,484 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 21.1% lower than at Albany State University ($9,390 vs. $11,899).
• Columbia College is 292.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Albany State University (about $16,558 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $5,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.6% higher at Columbia College than at Albany State University (about $5,206 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $17,008.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Albany State University (97% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 93.5% larger than aid received by Albany State University students ($16,451 vs. $8,503).

Albany State University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Albany State University 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 Albany State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 180 points higher than at Albany State University (820).
• Incoming Albany State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 16) as students at Columbia College (16).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Albany State University 740/900; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Albany State University 15/18; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Albany State University - Not reported; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.79 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Albany State University (2.77).

Albany State University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Albany State University 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 Albany State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Albany State University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $7,986 lower median loan debt than Albany State University graduates ($25,264 vs. $33,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Albany State University graduates ($261 vs. $343).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Albany State University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 19%)

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.