Columbus State vs. WNC

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Western Nevada College in Carson City, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than WNC based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,284 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Western Nevada College is in Carson City, NV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Nevada College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Western Nevada College 15:1.

Columbus State vs. WNC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or WNC? 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 WNC ($12,420 vs. $14,929).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 34.1% lower than at Western Nevada College ($11,720 vs. $17,788).
• Columbus State University is 41.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WNC (about $1,730 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $4,168.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at Columbus State than at Western Nevada College (about $4,776 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $12,834.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Western Nevada College (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 53.3% larger than aid received by Western Nevada College students ($9,003 vs. $5,874).

Columbus State vs. WNC Admissions comparison

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

• Western Nevada College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; WNC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.

Columbus State vs. WNC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and WNC? 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 Columbus State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than WNC graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Nevada College graduates have a $14,684 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($11,316 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WNC graduates have an estimated $151 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($117 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WNC students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 30%)

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.