Columbus State vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbus State vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Jackson 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 Columbus State University than Jackson State University ($12,420 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 18.3% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,720 vs. $14,341).
• Jackson State University is 52% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $3,067 more per year; $8,965.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.2% higher at Columbus State than at Jackson State University (about $5,645 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University as at Jackson State University (89% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,386).

Columbus State vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Jackson State University (950) is 20 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 Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jackson State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Jackson State University (93.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

Columbus State vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Jackson 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).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($268 vs. $299).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 36%)

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.