Columbus State vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbus State vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Claflin 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 Claflin University ($12,420 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 19.1% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,480 vs. $11,720).
• Claflin University is 210% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $12,384 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at Claflin University than at Columbus State University (about $672 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Columbus State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 84.3% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($16,596 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Claflin University (940) is 10 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Claflin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

Columbus State vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Claflin 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).

• Claflin University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $6,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($26,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($268 vs. $332).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 25%)

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.