Columbus State vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

Columbus State vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or South Carolina 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 Columbus State University than South Carolina State University ($12,420 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 23.2% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,000 vs. $11,720).
• South Carolina State University is 87.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,162 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at South Carolina State University than at Columbus State University (about $4,140 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Carolina State University students is 28.6% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($11,579 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is the same as at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Carolina State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

Columbus State vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and South Carolina 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).

• South Carolina State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $7,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($268 vs. $343).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 27%)

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.