Columbus State vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Bethel? 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 Bethel ($12,420 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 10.1% lower than at Columbus State University ($10,538 vs. $11,720).
• Bethel University is 217.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $12,814 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at Bethel than at Columbus State University (about $1,102 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Columbus State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 96.6% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($17,700 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 50 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Columbus State vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Bethel? 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($26,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($268 vs. $292).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 33%)

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.