Columbia College vs. WWU

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than WWU based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 2,046 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); William Woods University is in Fulton, MO (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Woods University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 20:1; William Woods University 16:1.

Columbia College vs. WWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or WWU? 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 Columbia College than WWU ($21,530 vs. $27,092).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 26.8% lower than at William Woods University ($9,552 vs. $13,050).
• William Woods University is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $4,514 more per year; $30,340.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at WWU than at Columbia College (about $4,514 more per year; $30,340.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Woods University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Woods University students is 39.8% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($22,204 vs. $15,882).

Columbia College vs. WWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or WWU? 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 WWU and Columbia College.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; WWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WWU Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WWU (3.4).

Columbia College vs. WWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and WWU? 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).

• William Woods University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than WWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Woods University graduates have a $597 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($21,437 vs. $22,034).
• Among borrowers, WWU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($221 vs. $227).
• More WWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.