Columbus State vs. Mississippi Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Mississippi Valley State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Mississippi Valley State University is in Itta Bena, MS (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mississippi Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Mississippi Valley State University 13:1.

Columbus State vs. Mississippi Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Mississippi Valley 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 Mississippi Valley State University than Columbus State ($10,232 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mississippi Valley State University are 23.6% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,956 vs. $11,720).
• Mississippi Valley State University is 30.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $1,794 more per year; $7,692.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.9% higher at Columbus State than at Mississippi Valley State University (about $9,918 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $7,692.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi Valley State University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mississippi Valley State University students is 21.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($10,933 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Mississippi Valley State University Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Mississippi Valley State University).
• 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; Mississippi Valley State University 13/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Mississippi Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at Mississippi Valley State University (2.9).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Mississippi Valley State University (92.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 32.3% at Mississippi Valley State University.

Columbus State vs. Mississippi Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Mississippi Valley 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Mississippi Valley State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Mississippi Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $26,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $3,336 lower median loan debt than Mississippi Valley State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $29,336).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mississippi Valley State University graduates ($268 vs. $303).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mississippi Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 35%)

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.