Columbus State vs. Western New Mexico University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Western New Mexico University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 3,531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Western New Mexico University is in Silver City, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western New Mexico University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Western New Mexico University 12:1.

Columbus State vs. Western New Mexico University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University than Columbus State ($9,477 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New Mexico University are 6.7% lower than at Columbus State University ($10,940 vs. $11,720).
• Western New Mexico University is 33.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $1,970 more per year; $7,868.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Columbus State than at Western New Mexico University (about $3,268 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $14,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Western New Mexico University (89% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New Mexico University students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($12,666 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Western New Mexico University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University and Columbus State.

• Western New Mexico University 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; Western New Mexico University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Western New Mexico University Aug 12, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at Western New Mexico University (2.5).

Columbus State vs. Western New Mexico University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Western New Mexico 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Western New Mexico University's (13%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Western New Mexico University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western New Mexico University graduates have a $5,314 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($20,686 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western New Mexico University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($213 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western New Mexico University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 34%)

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.