Columbia College vs. West Virginia University Tech

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than West Virginia University Tech based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,278 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); West Virginia University Institute of Technology is in Beckley, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 13:1.

Columbia College vs. West Virginia University Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology than Columbia College ($11,281 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 27.7% lower than at West Virginia University Institute of Technology ($9,390 vs. $12,986).
• Columbia College is 163.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Virginia University Tech (about $13,790 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Columbia College than at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (about $1,142 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia University Institute of Technology than at Columbia College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 63.4% larger than aid received by West Virginia University Institute of Technology students ($16,451 vs. $10,068).

Columbia College vs. West Virginia University Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Tech and Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is the same as at West Virginia University Tech (1000).
• Incoming West Virginia University Tech 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; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; West Virginia University Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: West Virginia University Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at West Virginia University Tech (3.51).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than West Virginia University Tech (36.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 52.3% at West Virginia University Tech.

Columbia College vs. West Virginia University Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology's (29%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University Institute of Technology earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University Institute of Technology graduates have a $1,263 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($24,001 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, West Virginia University Tech graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($248 vs. $261).
• More West Virginia University Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.