Columbia College vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

Columbia College vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University ($18,790 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 14.6% lower than at Tusculum University ($9,390 vs. $11,000).
• Tusculum University is 31.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $7,036 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.7% higher at Tusculum University than at Columbia College (about $7,036 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Tusculum University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($23,759 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tusculum University (1010) is 10 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Tusculum University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

Columbia College vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Tusculum 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 Tusculum University graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.