Columbus State vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Washburn 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 Washburn University than Columbus State ($11,488 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 1.9% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,501 vs. $11,720).
• Washburn University is 68.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $4,047 more per year; $9,945.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19% higher at Washburn University than at Columbus State University (about $3,339 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washburn University students is 8.6% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,781 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Washburn 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 Washburn University and 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.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Columbus State (3.07).

Columbus State vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Washburn 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).

• Washburn University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Washburn University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $9,100 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($16,900 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($174 vs. $268).
• More Washburn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.