Athens State University vs. Columbus State

Should I go to Athens State University or Columbus State University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Athens State University or Columbus State is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Athens State University vs. Columbus State University comparison
Athens State University Columbus State University College 3 College 4
Columbus State University
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Overview

Athens State University Columbus State
Location Athens, AL Columbus, GA
Setting Town Fringe Midsize City
Enrollment 2,894 7,479
Type Public 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #995
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website athens.edu columbusstate.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Athens State University Columbus State
Tuition (In State) $0 $4,371
Tuition (Out of State) $0 $15,425
Room & Board $0 $12,080
Avg Net Price - $12,902
Avg Grant Aid $0 $9,147
% Receiving Grant Aid 0% 98%

Admission

Athens State University Columbus State
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied - 3,870
Admitted - 3,398
Acceptance Rate 87.8%
Enrolled % 30.4%
Avg High School GPA - 3.07
Typical High School Grades - B
Admissions Standards Unavailable Extremely Easy
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 16/23
SAT Range 900/1130
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Jun 30, 2025

Academics

Athens State University Columbus State
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 17:1
Popular Majors
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (24%)
  • Business (19%)
  • Education (14%)
  • Health Professions (14%)
  • English and Literature (4%)

Outcomes

Athens State University Columbus State
Graduation Rate - 31%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $42,200 $37,400
Making Student Loan Payments 49% 37%
Median Student Loan Debt $18,534 $26,000
Median Loan Payment $191 $268

Diversity

Athens State University Columbus State
% Men 31% 40%
% Women 69% 60%
Racial Diversity Low High
HBCU No No
% White 78% 51%
% Black 12% 37%
% Hispanic 2% 6%
% Native American 2% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 2%
% International 1% 1%
% Unknown Race 3% 0%

Students

Athens State University Columbus State
% In-State - 92%
% Out-of-State - 5%

Campus

Athens State University Columbus State
Campus Housing No Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No
Meal Plan No Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Columbus State University is larger than than Athens State University based on total student enrollment (7,479 students vs. 2,894 students)

Athens State University vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Athens State University or Columbus State?

  • Columbus State University is ?% more expensive to attend than Athens State University for in-state tuition ($4,371.00 vs. $0.00)
  • Out of state tuition is ?% higher at Columbus State than Athens State University ($15,425.00 vs. $0.00)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Columbus State University than Athens State University (98% vs. 0%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is ?% larger than aid received Athens State University ($9,147 vs. $0)

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or Columbus State? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Columbus State or Athens State University .

Athens State University vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Athens State University or Columbus State? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Columbus State and Athens State University.

  • Graduates from Athens State University earn on average $4,800 more per year than Columbus State graduates after ten years. ($42,200 vs. $37,400)
  • Athens State University students graduate with a $7,466 lower median federal student loan debt than Columbus State graduates. ($18,534 vs. $26,000)
  • Athens State University graduates are paying $77 less per month on federal student loans 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/