Brenau University vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA 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 Brenau University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

Brenau University vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State University than Brenau University ($12,420 vs. $19,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 8.8% lower than at Brenau University ($11,720 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 476.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $28,129 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.2% higher at Brenau University than at Columbus State University (about $16,417 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Columbus State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 192.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($26,325 vs. $9,003).

Brenau University vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 140 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Brenau University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brenau University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 31.8% at Columbus State.

Brenau University vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and Columbus State? 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).

• Brenau University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Brenau University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.