Columbus State vs. Tougaloo College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Tougaloo College based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,301 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Tougaloo College is in Tougaloo, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tougaloo College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Tougaloo College 9:1.

Columbus State vs. Tougaloo College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Tougaloo 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 Tougaloo College ($12,420 vs. $14,328).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tougaloo College are 23.9% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,924 vs. $11,720).
• Tougaloo College is 110.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $6,509 more per year; $12,407.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.9% higher at Columbus State than at Tougaloo College (about $5,203 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $12,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tougaloo College than at Columbus State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tougaloo College students is 10% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,900 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Tougaloo College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Tougaloo 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 Tougaloo College and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tougaloo College (940) is 10 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 Tougaloo College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Tougaloo College 790/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Tougaloo College 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Tougaloo College - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at Tougaloo College (2.8).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Tougaloo College (59.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 10.2% at Tougaloo College.

Columbus State vs. Tougaloo College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Tougaloo 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).

• Tougaloo College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Tougaloo College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $29,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $9,004 lower median loan debt than Tougaloo College graduates ($26,000 vs. $35,004).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tougaloo College graduates ($268 vs. $361).
• More Tougaloo College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (39% 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.