Athens State University vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

Compare Athens State University in Athens, 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 Athens State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,986 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Athens 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: Athens State University 14:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

Athens State University vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Columbus State University and Athens State University ($5,898.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Columbus State and Athens State University ($17,610.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Athens State University (89% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresColumbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresColumbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.

Athens State University vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and Columbus State? 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.

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate is 31%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Athens State University.
• Graduates from Athens State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Athens State University graduates have a $7,466 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($18,534 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Athens State University graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($191 vs. $268).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 37%)

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.