Athens State University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Athens State University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,986 students vs. 1,725 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Athens State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Athens State University 14:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Athens State University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Columbia College and Athens State University ($22,214.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Columbia College and Athens State University ($22,214.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Athens State University (97% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or Columbia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia College and Athens State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresColumbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresColumbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; Columbia College - Test-free.

Athens State University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and Columbia College? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate is 50%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Athens State University.
• Graduates from Athens State University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Athens State University graduates have a $6,730 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($18,534 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Athens State University graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($191 vs. $261).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.