Columbus State vs. Fayetteville State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Fayetteville State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 7,107 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Fayetteville State University is in Fayetteville, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fayetteville State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Fayetteville State University 20:1.

Columbus State vs. Fayetteville State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville State University than Columbus State ($7,811 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fayetteville State University are 2.3% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,449 vs. $11,720).
• Columbus State University is 35.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fayetteville State University (about $1,545 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $4,353.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.8% higher at Columbus State than at Fayetteville State University (about $9,257 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $8,353.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fayetteville State University than at Columbus State University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 2.6% larger than aid received by Fayetteville State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,777).

Columbus State vs. Fayetteville State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fayetteville State University (990) is 60 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 Fayetteville State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Fayetteville State University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Fayetteville State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Fayetteville State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Fayetteville State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fayetteville State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Fayetteville State University (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 14.8% at Fayetteville State University.

Columbus State vs. Fayetteville State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Fayetteville 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).

• The graduation rate at Columbus State is the same as at Fayetteville State University (31% vs. 31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Fayetteville State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have a $3,839 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($22,161 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($229 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fayetteville State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 28%)

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.