Columbia International University vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia International University vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University than Columbia International University ($21,073 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 4.2% lower than at Wheeling University ($11,950 vs. $12,470).
• Wheeling University is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $1,975 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at Wheeling University than at Columbia International University (about $1,975 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Columbia International University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 28.9% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($21,931 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Wheeling University (1070).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Wheeling University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 990/1195; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 16/25; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

Columbia International University vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.