CSU vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Columbia College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Columbia College 20:1.

CSU vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 Chicago State University than Columbia College ($10,441 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 17.3% lower than at Chicago State University ($9,552 vs. $11,550).
• Columbia College is 102.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $13,072 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.5% higher at Columbia College than at Chicago State University (about $13,072 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 14.6% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($18,194 vs. $15,882).

CSU vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at CSU (3.18).

CSU vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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 (39%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $9,216 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($22,034 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($227 vs. $323).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (40% vs. 25%)

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.