Anderson University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Anderson University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson 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 Columbia College than Anderson University ($18,790 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 26.6% lower than at Anderson University ($9,390 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 67.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $15,026 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.6% higher at Anderson University than at Columbia College (about $15,026 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 57.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($25,946 vs. $16,451).

Anderson University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson 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 Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Anderson University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Anderson University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 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 Anderson University graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.