Columbia College vs. Park University

Comparable Facts

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

Park University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (5,736 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Park University is in Parkville, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 20:1; Park University 13:1.

Columbia College vs. Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Park 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 Park University than Columbia College ($19,519 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Park University are 3.8% lower than at Columbia College ($9,190 vs. $9,552).
• Columbia College is 47.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Park University (about $8,326 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.6% higher at Columbia College than at Park University (about $8,326 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Park University than at Columbia College (93% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 61.7% larger than aid received by Park University students ($15,882 vs. $9,820).

Columbia College vs. Park University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Park 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 Park University and Columbia College.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Park University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Park University Aug 1, 2027.

Columbia College vs. Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Park 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).

• The graduation rate at Columbia College is the same as at Park University (39% vs. 39%).
• Graduates from Park University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Park University graduates have a $2,534 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($19,500 vs. $22,034).
• Among borrowers, Park University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($201 vs. $227).
• More Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.