Brenau University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Brenau University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,436 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Brenau University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau 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 Brenau University ($18,790 vs. $19,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 26.9% lower than at Brenau University ($9,390 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 53.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $11,813 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.2% higher at Brenau University than at Columbia College (about $11,813 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 60% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($26,325 vs. $16,451).

Brenau University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 70 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Brenau 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: Brenau University 930/1200; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Brenau University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau 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 Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 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 Brenau University graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Brenau University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.