Columbus State vs. Shorter

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Shorter University is in Rome, GA (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Shorter University 14:1.

Columbus State vs. Shorter Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Shorter? 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 Shorter ($12,420 vs. $16,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 15.4% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,920 vs. $11,720).
• Shorter University is 317.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $18,732 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.9% higher at Shorter than at Columbus State University (about $7,020 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 109.5% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($18,862 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Shorter Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Shorter? 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 Shorter and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 190 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Shorter students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Shorter University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Shorter University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Shorter - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shorter students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Shorter (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 33.5% at Shorter.

Columbus State vs. Shorter Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Shorter? 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $2,418 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($26,000 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($268 vs. $293).
• More Shorter graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (38% 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.