Columbia College vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, MO with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 20:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

Columbia College vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University than Columbia College ($16,185 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 21.7% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($9,552 vs. $12,198).
• Columbia College is 160.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeast Missouri State University (about $15,923 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 160.8% higher at Columbia College than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $15,923 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southeast Missouri State University than at Columbia College (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 86.6% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($15,882 vs. $8,512).

Columbia College vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University and Columbia College.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSoutheast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSoutheast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Southeast Missouri State University (3.53).

Columbia College vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Southeast Missouri 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).

• Southeast Missouri State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Southeast Missouri State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $493 lower median loan debt than Southeast Missouri State University graduates ($22,034 vs. $22,527).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southeast Missouri State University graduates ($227 vs. $232).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.