Columbus State vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Columbus State vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($12,420 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 29.5% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,261 vs. $11,720).
• Union Commonwealth University is 424.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $25,048 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.7% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Columbus State University (about $13,336 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 199.5% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($26,961 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 80 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Columbus State vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Union Commonwealth 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.