Columbus State vs. GS

Comparable Facts

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

Georgia Southern University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Georgia Southern University is in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Georgia Southern University 25:1.

Columbus State vs. GS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or GS? 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 GS ($12,420 vs. $15,971).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 1.9% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,492 vs. $11,720).
• Georgia Southern University is 2.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $124 more per year; $6,022.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at GS than at Columbus State University (about $124 more per year; $17,734.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Georgia Southern University than at Columbus State University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by Georgia Southern University students ($9,003 vs. $8,994).

Columbus State vs. GS Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Georgia Southern University (1060) is 130 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming GS 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; Georgia Southern University 986/1133.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Georgia Southern University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; GS - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; GS May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GS students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than GS (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 28.2% at GS.

Columbus State vs. GS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Georgia Southern University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Georgia Southern University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Georgia Southern University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, GS graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More GS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.