Columbus State vs. Southern University and A & M College

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Southern University and A & M College based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 7,452 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Southern University and A & M College is in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Southern University and A & M College 21:1.

Columbus State vs. Southern University and A & M College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College ($12,420 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 31.6% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,018 vs. $11,720).
• Southern University and A & M College is 68.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $4,024 more per year; $9,922.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2% higher at Columbus State than at Southern University and A & M College (about $338 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $17,272.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at Columbus State University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($9,003 vs. $7,945).

Columbus State vs. Southern University and A & M College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is 20 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Southern University and A & M College 790/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Southern University and A & M College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Southern University and A & M College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern University and A & M College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College.

Columbus State vs. Southern University and A & M College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Southern University and A & M College earn a median of about $600 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($26,000 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($268 vs. $317).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 25%)

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.