Columbus State vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

Columbus State vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($12,420 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 20.8% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($11,720 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 619.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $36,521 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.9% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Columbus State University (about $24,809 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 233.6% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($30,033 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (1010) is 80 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

Columbus State vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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).

• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $900 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($268 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.