Columbus State vs. Thomas University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Thomas University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,471 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Thomas University is in Thomasville, GA (Distant Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Thomas University 12:1.

Columbus State vs. Thomas University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Thomas 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 Thomas University ($12,420 vs. $17,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 30.5% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,140 vs. $11,720).
• Thomas University is 97.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,742 more per year; $11,640.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.3% higher at Columbus State than at Thomas University (about $5,970 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 71.3% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($9,003 vs. $5,256).

Columbus State vs. Thomas University Admissions comparison

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

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas University (1110) is 180 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Thomas University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Thomas University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Thomas University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Thomas University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 70.7% at Thomas University.

Columbus State vs. Thomas University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Thomas 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from Thomas University 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, Thomas University graduates have a $5,380 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($20,620 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Thomas University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($213 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 36%)

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.