Columbus State vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Columbus State vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University ($12,420 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 4.9% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,150 vs. $11,720).
• Tennessee State University is 46.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $2,718 more per year; $8,616.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.3% higher at Tennessee State University than at Columbus State University (about $4,806 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Tennessee State University (89% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee State University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,661 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 40 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Columbus State vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Tennessee 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).

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($268 vs. $289).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 29%)

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.