Columbia College vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Johnson University in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Johnson University 12:1.

Columbia College vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Johnson 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 Columbia College than Johnson University ($18,790 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 5.2% lower than at Johnson University ($9,390 vs. $9,900).
• Columbia College is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Johnson University (about $1,092 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Columbia College than at Johnson University (about $1,092 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 41.5% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($16,451 vs. $11,630).

Columbia College vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson University (1040) is 40 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Johnson University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Johnson University (3.52).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

Columbia College vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $3,884 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($21,380 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($221 vs. $261).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 43%)

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.