Maharishi International University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA with Columbia College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than Maharishi International University based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 2,592 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Maharishi International University is located in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maharishi International University 13:1; Columbia College 20:1.

Maharishi International University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Maharishi International University or Columbia College? 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 Maharishi International University than Columbia College ($16,281 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 22.5% lower than at Columbia College ($7,400 vs. $9,552).
• Columbia College is 56.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Maharishi International University (about $9,296 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.2% higher at Columbia College than at Maharishi International University (about $9,296 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Maharishi International University than at Columbia College (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 38.2% larger than aid received by Maharishi International University students ($15,882 vs. $11,496).

Maharishi International University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Maharishi International University or Columbia College? 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 College and Maharishi International University.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Maharishi International University - Test-free; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027.

Maharishi International University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Maharishi International University and Columbia College? 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).

• Maharishi International University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $29,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $17,003 lower median loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates ($22,034 vs. $39,037).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $176 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Maharishi International University graduates ($227 vs. $403).
• More Maharishi International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 40%)

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.