Columbia International University vs. HSU

Should I go to Columbia International University or Hardin Simmons University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Columbia International University or HSU is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Columbia International University vs. Hardin Simmons University comparison
Columbia International University Hardin Simmons University College 3 College 4
Hardin Simmons University
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Overview

Columbia International University HSU
Location Columbia, SC Abilene, TX
Setting Midsize City Midsize City
Enrollment 2,481 1,765
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #705 #741
Religious Affiliation - Baptist - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website ciu.edu hsutx.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Columbia International University HSU
Tuition (In State) $25,620 $30,694
Tuition (Out of State) $25,620 $30,694
Room & Board $9,950 $9,980
Avg Net Price $19,911 $22,636
Avg Grant Aid $18,834 $22,695
% Receiving Grant Aid 95% 100%

Admission

Columbia International University HSU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 506 2,314
Admitted 244 2,042
Acceptance Rate 48.2% 88.2%
Enrolled % 73.4% 17.1%
Avg High School GPA 3.5 3.43
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Easy Easy
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 16/25 18/24
SAT Range 990/1195 1010/1198
Submit Test Scores Required to be considered for admission Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2025

Academics

Columbia International University HSU
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 16:1
Popular Majors
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (69%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (11%)
  • Psychology (7%)
  • General Studies (6%)
  • Communication (3%)
  • Business (17%)
  • Education (13%)
  • Biology (9%)
  • Health Professions (9%)
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (8%)

Outcomes

Columbia International University HSU
Graduation Rate 57% 47%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $33,400 $46,600
Making Student Loan Payments 63% 67%
Median Student Loan Debt $21,500 $25,989
Median Loan Payment $222 $268

Diversity

Columbia International University HSU
% Men 46% 44%
% Women 54% 56%
Racial Diversity Low Low
HBCU No No
% White 72% 71%
% Black 10% 6%
% Hispanic 4% 15%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 4%
% International 4% 1%
% Unknown Race 6% 1%

Students

Columbia International University HSU
% In-State 59% 96%
% Out-of-State 38% 3%

Campus

Columbia International University HSU
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No No
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Columbia International University is larger than than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,481 students vs. 1,765 students)

Columbia International University vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or HSU?

  • Hardin Simmons University is 19.8% more expensive to attend than Columbia International University for in-state tuition ($30,694.00 vs. $25,620.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 19.8% higher at HSU than Columbia International University ($30,694.00 vs. $25,620.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia International University than HSU ($19,911 vs. $22,636)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 0.3% lower than costs at Hardin Simmons University ($9,950 vs. $9,980)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 20.5% larger than aid received Columbia International University ($22,695 vs. $18,834)

Columbia International University vs. HSU Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or HSU? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between HSU or Columbia International University .

  • The average SAT score at Columbia International University (1045) is 15 points higher than at HSU (1030)
  • Incoming Columbia International University students have a 1 point higher average ACT score (23) than students at HSU (22)
  • Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at HSU (3.43)
  • HSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Columbia International University (48.2%)

Columbia International University vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Columbia International University or HSU? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between HSU and Columbia International University.

  • The graduation rate at Columbia International University is higher than Hardin Simmons University (57% vs. 47%)
  • Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn on average $13,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates after ten years. ($46,600 vs. $33,400)
  • Columbia International University students graduate with a $4,489 lower median federal student loan debt than HSU graduates. ($21,500 vs. $25,989)
  • Columbia International University graduates are paying $46 less per month on federal student loans 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/