Columbus State vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Erskine College in Due West, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Erskine College 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Erskine College? 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 Erskine College ($12,420 vs. $23,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 11.5% lower than at Erskine College ($11,720 vs. $13,250).
• Erskine College is 522.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $30,812 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.5% higher at Erskine College than at Columbus State University (about $19,100 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Erskine College than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Erskine College students is 246.3% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($31,174 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Erskine College (1040) is 110 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Erskine College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Erskine College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

Columbus State vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Erskine College? 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).

• Erskine College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Erskine College earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Erskine College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Erskine College graduates ($268 vs. $276).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.