Columbus State vs. UNG

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Georgia is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (19,291 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 North Georgia is in Dahlonega, GA (Distant Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Georgia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; University of North Georgia 19:1.

Columbus State vs. UNG Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or UNG? 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 University of North Georgia than Columbus State ($11,157 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 8.2% lower than at University of North Georgia ($11,720 vs. $12,770).
• Columbus State University is 11.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNG (about $613 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $5,285.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Columbus State than at University of North Georgia (about $1,107 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $16,503.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at University of North Georgia (89% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 24.6% larger than aid received by University of North Georgia students ($9,003 vs. $7,226).

Columbus State vs. UNG Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or UNG? 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 UNG and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Georgia (1100) is 170 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming UNG 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; University of North Georgia 980/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; University of North Georgia 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; UNG - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; UNG Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNG 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 UNG (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 47.9% at UNG.

Columbus State vs. UNG Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and UNG? 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).

• Graduates from University of North Georgia earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Georgia graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($16,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, UNG graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($170 vs. $268).
• More UNG graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.