Columbus State vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

Columbus State vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or VSU? 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 Valdosta State University than Columbus State ($11,144 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 18.7% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,530 vs. $11,720).
• Valdosta State University is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $226 more per year; $6,124.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at VSU than at Columbus State University (about $226 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Columbus State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($10,206 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State 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 VSU (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 26% at VSU.

Columbus State vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.