Columbia College vs. Winthrop University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winthrop University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (4,894 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Winthrop University is in Rock Hill, SC (Small City setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winthrop University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Winthrop University 13:1.

Columbia College vs. Winthrop University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Winthrop 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 Winthrop University than Columbia College ($16,108 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 15.2% lower than at Winthrop University ($9,390 vs. $11,072).
• Columbia College is 51.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winthrop University (about $7,536 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $14,678.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.1% higher at Winthrop University than at Columbia College (about $6,462 more per year; $28,676.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winthrop University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Winthrop University students ($16,451 vs. $15,686).

Columbia College vs. Winthrop University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winthrop University (1120) is 120 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Winthrop University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Winthrop University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Winthrop University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Winthrop University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Winthrop University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Columbia College (3.56).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Winthrop University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 15% at Winthrop University.

Columbia College vs. Winthrop University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Winthrop 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).

• Winthrop University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Winthrop University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,500 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 Winthrop University graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winthrop University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Winthrop University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.