Columbus State vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($12,420 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 12.5% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($11,720 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 440.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $26,002 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Columbus State University (about $14,290 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 160.7% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($23,467 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and Columbus State.

• 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; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Columbus State vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University 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.