Columbus State vs. UCO-Central

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Oklahoma is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (12,554 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); University of Central Oklahoma is in Edmond, OK (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Central Oklahoma is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; University of Central Oklahoma 18:1.

Columbus State vs. UCO-Central Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or UCO-Central? 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 UCO-Central ($12,420 vs. $18,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Oklahoma are 17.2% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,700 vs. $11,720).
• University of Central Oklahoma is 49.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $2,920 more per year; $8,818.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at UCO-Central than at Columbus State University (about $2,094 more per year; $19,704.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at University of Central Oklahoma (89% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 25.9% larger than aid received by University of Central Oklahoma students ($9,003 vs. $7,152).

Columbus State vs. UCO-Central Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or UCO-Central? 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 UCO-Central and Columbus State.

• Incoming UCO-Central students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; University of Central Oklahoma 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; UCO-Central - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCO-Central students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than UCO-Central (78.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 42.9% at UCO-Central.

Columbus State vs. UCO-Central Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and UCO-Central? 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).

• University of Central Oklahoma's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from University of Central Oklahoma earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Oklahoma graduates have a $5,607 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($20,393 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, UCO-Central graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($210 vs. $268).
• More UCO-Central graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.