Columbus State vs. Mars Hill University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Mars Hill University is in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Mars Hill University 11:1.

Columbus State vs. Mars Hill University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University ($12,420 vs. $18,925).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 4.4% lower than at Mars Hill University ($11,720 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 539.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $31,838 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.3% higher at Mars Hill University than at Columbus State University (about $20,126 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 245.1% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($31,066 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Mars Hill University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill 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; Mars Hill University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Mars Hill University (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 31.1% at Mars Hill University.

Columbus State vs. Mars Hill University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Mars Hill 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).

• Mars Hill University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.