Columbus State vs. Beacon College

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Beacon College in Leesburg, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Beacon College based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Beacon College is in Leesburg, FL (Small Suburban setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Beacon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Beacon College 12:1.

Columbus State vs. Beacon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Beacon College? 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 Columbus State University than Beacon College ($12,420 vs. $46,997).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 25.2% lower than at Beacon College ($11,720 vs. $15,658).
• Beacon College is 776.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $45,782 more per year; $51,680.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 193.5% higher at Beacon College than at Columbus State University (about $34,070 more per year; $51,680.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Beacon College than at Columbus State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Beacon College students is 166.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($23,988 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Beacon College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Beacon College? 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 Beacon College and Columbus State.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Beacon College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Beacon College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Beacon College (43.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 38.6% at Beacon College.

Columbus State vs. Beacon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Beacon College? 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).

• Beacon College's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Beacon College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Beacon College graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Beacon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 37%)

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.