Columbus State vs. Bowie State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Bowie State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,353 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Bowie State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Bowie State 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 Columbus State University than Bowie State University ($12,420 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 4.3% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,720 vs. $12,241).
• Bowie State University is 56.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $3,320 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Bowie State University than at Columbus State University (about $2,328 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Bowie State University (89% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 32% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($9,003 vs. $6,819).

Columbus State vs. Bowie State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Bowie State 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 Bowie State University and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowie State University (940) is 10 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Bowie State University 796/1083.
• 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; Bowie State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bowie State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

Columbus State vs. Bowie State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Bowie State 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $1,609 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($24,391 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($252 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 29%)

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.