Columbus State vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Idaho State University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Idaho State University is in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Idaho State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Idaho State University 14:1.

Columbus State vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or ISU? 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 Idaho State University than Columbus State ($12,174 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 32.7% lower than at Columbus State University ($7,882 vs. $11,720).
• Idaho State University is 46% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $2,712 more per year; $8,610.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.4% higher at ISU than at Columbus State University (about $10,110 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Idaho State University than at Columbus State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Idaho State University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,217 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. ISU Admissions comparison

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

• Idaho State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060.
• 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; ISU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Columbus State (3.07).

Columbus State vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and ISU? 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 Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Idaho State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Idaho State University graduates have a $3,050 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($22,950 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.