Columbus State vs. EIU

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Eastern Illinois University is in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Eastern Illinois University 14:1.

Columbus State vs. EIU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or EIU? 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 EIU ($12,420 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 4.6% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($11,720 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 131.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $7,781 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Columbus State than at Eastern Illinois University (about $1,393 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 44% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($12,960 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. EIU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is 60 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Eastern Illinois University 880/1090.
• 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; EIU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 9.8% at EIU.

Columbus State vs. EIU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $2,350 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($23,650 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($244 vs. $268).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.