Columbia College vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, MO with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 20:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

Columbia College vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University than Columbia College ($9,882 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 28.9% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($9,552 vs. $13,430).
• Columbia College is 186.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $16,820 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.9% higher at Columbia College than at Austin Peay State University (about $11,060 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at Columbia College (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Austin Peay State University students ($15,882 vs. $11,290).

Columbia College vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University and Columbia College.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAustin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAustin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).

Columbia College vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $466 lower median loan debt than Austin Peay State University graduates ($22,034 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Austin Peay State University graduates ($227 vs. $232).
• More Austin Peay State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (44% vs. 40%)

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.