Columbia International University vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Columbia International University vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or HSU? 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 Hardin Simmons University than Columbia International University ($19,811 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 3.8% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,500 vs. $11,950).
• Hardin Simmons University is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $5,060 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at HSU than at Columbia International University (about $5,060 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 53.4% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($26,095 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or HSU? 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 HSU and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming HSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 990/1195; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 16/25; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at HSU (3.43).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Columbia International University vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and HSU? 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 International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $4,489 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 63%)

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.