Columbus State vs. GSU- Grambling

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than GSU- Grambling based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 5,150 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Grambling State University is in Grambling, LA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grambling State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Grambling State University 25:1.

Columbus State vs. GSU- Grambling Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or GSU- Grambling? 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 GSU- Grambling ($12,420 vs. $17,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grambling State University are 6.2% lower than at Columbus State University ($10,990 vs. $11,720).
• Grambling State University is 30.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $1,785 more per year; $7,683.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Columbus State than at Grambling State University (about $904 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $16,706.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grambling State University than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 1.5% larger than aid received by Grambling State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,870).

Columbus State vs. GSU- Grambling Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or GSU- Grambling? 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 GSU- Grambling and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grambling State University (1000) is 70 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 GSU- Grambling).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Grambling State University 920/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Grambling State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; GSU- Grambling - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at GSU- Grambling (3.01).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than GSU- Grambling (44.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 18% at GSU- Grambling.

Columbus State vs. GSU- Grambling Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and GSU- Grambling? 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Grambling State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than GSU- Grambling graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $32,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $11,997 lower median loan debt than GSU- Grambling graduates ($26,000 vs. $37,997).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GSU- Grambling graduates ($268 vs. $392).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU- Grambling students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 23%)

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.