Columbus State vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than WSSU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,782 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbus State vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or WSSU? 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 WSSU ($12,420 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 2% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,484 vs. $11,720).
• Winston Salem State University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $228 more per year; $6,126.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Columbus State than at Winston Salem State University (about $828 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winston Salem State University than at Columbus State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($10,057 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is the same as at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Winston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Winston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 13.1% at WSSU.

Columbus State vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than WSSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $337 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($25,663 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($265 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 33%)

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.