Columbia College vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

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

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than Columbia College ($17,810 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 17.7% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($9,390 vs. $11,411).
• Mary Baldwin University is 53.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $11,938 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.7% higher at MBC than at Columbia College (about $11,938 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 71% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($28,135 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming MBC 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; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Columbia College (3.56).

Columbia College vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,736 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.