Columbus State vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Columbus State vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Columbus State ($11,055 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 13.3% lower than at West Virginia State University ($11,720 vs. $13,522).
• West Virginia State University is 62.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $3,672 more per year; $9,570.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at Columbus State than at West Virginia State University (about $2,620 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at West Virginia State University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,993).

Columbus State vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is 30 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than WVSU (96%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Columbus State vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 35%)

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.