Columbus State vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Benedict College 13:1.

Columbus State vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Benedict 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 Benedict College ($12,420 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 39% lower than at Columbus State University ($7,146 vs. $11,720).
• Benedict College is 195.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $11,542 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Columbus State than at Benedict College (about $170 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 48.1% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($13,335 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

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

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is 10 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Benedict College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Benedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Benedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Benedict College (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 8% at Benedict College.

Columbus State vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Benedict 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $16,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($26,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $175 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($268 vs. $443).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 13%)

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.