Columbus State vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Lander University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,378 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Lander University 18:1.

Columbus State vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Lander 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 Lander University ($12,420 vs. $15,520).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 3.1% lower than at Lander University ($11,720 vs. $12,100).
• Lander University is 98.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,802 more per year; $11,700.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21% higher at Lander University than at Columbus State University (about $3,690 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Columbus State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lander University students is 35.9% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($12,232 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lander University (1060) is 130 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at Lander University (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

Columbus State vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Lander 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).

• Lander University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lander University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (46% 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.