Columbus State vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

Columbus State vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University ($12,420 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 6.1% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,000 vs. $11,720).
• Tusculum University is 395.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $23,352 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.1% higher at Tusculum University than at Columbus State University (about $11,640 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tusculum University than at Columbus State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 163.9% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($23,759 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tusculum University (1010) is 80 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at Tusculum University (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tusculum University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

Columbus State vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Tusculum 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).

• Tusculum University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Tusculum University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.