Columbus State vs. SWOSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than SWOSU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 5,186 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Southwestern Oklahoma State University is in Weatherford, OK (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 19:1.

Columbus State vs. SWOSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or SWOSU? 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 SWOSU ($12,420 vs. $14,410).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University are 34.9% lower than at Columbus State University ($7,634 vs. $11,720).
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University is 43.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $2,571 more per year; $8,469.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 107.2% higher at Columbus State than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (about $9,111 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $8,499.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 1.1% larger than aid received by Southwestern Oklahoma State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,906).

Columbus State vs. SWOSU Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming SWOSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at 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; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; SWOSU - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SWOSU students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Columbus State (3.07).

Columbus State vs. SWOSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Southwestern Oklahoma State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have a $10,313 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($15,687 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SWOSU graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($162 vs. $268).
• More SWOSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.