Georgia Southwestern vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, GA with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Georgia Southwestern State University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (3,700 students vs. 2,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southwestern State University is located in Americus, GA (Distant Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Georgia Southwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southwestern State University 18:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Georgia Southwestern vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Georgia Southwestern or Columbia International 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 Georgia Southwestern State University than Columbia International University ($11,769 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southwestern State University are 9.2% lower than at Columbia International University ($10,850 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 434.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Georgia Southwestern (about $22,680 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $5,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.4% higher at Columbia International University than at Georgia Southwestern State University (about $11,328 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $16,572.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at Georgia Southwestern State University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 86.8% larger than aid received by Georgia Southwestern State University students ($17,009 vs. $9,104).

Georgia Southwestern vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Georgia Southwestern or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University and Georgia Southwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 90 points higher than at Georgia Southwestern (1000).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Georgia Southwestern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southwestern State University 890/1110; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southwestern State University 16/22; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Georgia Southwestern - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Georgia Southwestern Jul 21, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Georgia Southwestern (3.17).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Georgia Southwestern (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.5% at Georgia Southwestern vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Georgia Southwestern vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Georgia Southwestern and Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Georgia Southwestern State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Georgia Southwestern State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Georgia Southwestern graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Georgia Southwestern graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Georgia Southwestern students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.