Columbus State vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbus State vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or CSU? 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 CSU ($12,420 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 3.9% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,720 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 451.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $26,622 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.7% higher at CSU than at Columbus State University (about $14,910 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Columbus State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 158.1% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($23,240 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 120 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming CSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than CSU (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Columbus State vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.