PUC vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than PUC based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Union College is located in Angwin, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Pacific Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Union College 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

PUC vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PUC 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 Pacific Union College than Columbia International University ($22,767 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 17.9% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,816 vs. $11,950).
• Pacific Union College is 33.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $9,273 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.2% higher at PUC than at Columbia International University (about $9,273 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Union College students is 56.6% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($26,629 vs. $17,009).

PUC vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PUC 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 PUC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 30 points higher than at PUC (1060).
• Incoming PUC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 930/1190; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 20/24; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PUC - Test-free; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at PUC (3.24).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14% at PUC vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

PUC vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PUC 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 Pacific Union College's (45%).
• Graduates from Pacific Union College earn a median of about $25,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than PUC graduates ($21,500 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($222 vs. $310).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 57%)

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.