Columbia College vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Charleston is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

Columbia College vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston ($18,790 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 23.5% lower than at University of Charleston ($9,390 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 52.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $11,586 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.2% higher at University of Charleston than at Columbia College (about $11,586 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College as at University of Charleston (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 58.8% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($26,132 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 70 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming University of Charleston 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; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

Columbia College vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $4,764 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($211 vs. $261).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.