Columbia International University vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Tusculum University in Greeneville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

Columbia International University vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University than Columbia International University ($20,355 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 7.9% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,000 vs. $11,950).
• Tusculum University is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $1,350 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Tusculum University than at Columbia International University (about $1,350 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at Tusculum University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($23,759 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 80 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 990/1195; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 16/25; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

Columbia International University vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Tusculum 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 International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Tusculum University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tusculum University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 52%)

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.