Columbia College vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Longwood University in Farmville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Longwood University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Longwood University 15:1.

Columbia College vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Longwood 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 Longwood University ($18,790 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 46.1% lower than at Longwood University ($9,390 vs. $17,424).
• Columbia College is 41.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $6,470 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at Longwood University than at Columbia College (about $5,764 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College as at Longwood University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 17.9% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($16,451 vs. $13,954).

Columbia College vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Longwood University (1120) is 120 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Longwood University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Columbia College (3.56).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Longwood University (90.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 17% at Longwood University.

Columbia College vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University graduates have a $264 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Longwood University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($258 vs. $261).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.