Columbia College vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Columbia College vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Columbia College ($11,483 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 14.8% lower than at Virginia Union University ($9,390 vs. $11,016).
• Columbia College is 27.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $4,764 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.3% higher at Columbia College than at Virginia Union University (about $4,764 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Virginia Union University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 6.5% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($17,524 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 130 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.85 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Columbia College vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $8,486 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($25,264 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($261 vs. $348).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 19%)

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.