Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University

Should I go to Pfeiffer University or Columbia International University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Pfeiffer University or Columbia International University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University comparison
Pfeiffer University Columbia International University College 3 College 4
Pfeiffer University
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Overview

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
Location Misenheimer, NC Columbia, SC
Setting Distant Rural Midsize City
Enrollment 1,076 2,481
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #627 #705
Religious Affiliation United Methodist - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website pfeiffer.edu ciu.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
Tuition (In State) $31,940 $25,620
Tuition (Out of State) $31,940 $25,620
Room & Board $12,520 $9,950
Avg Net Price $21,575 $19,911
Avg Grant Aid $24,926 $18,834
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 95%

Admission

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 1,299 506
Admitted 897 244
Acceptance Rate 69.1% 48.2%
Enrolled % 18.4% 73.4%
Avg High School GPA 3.18 3.5
Typical High School Grades B B+
Admissions Standards Easy Easy
Applicant Competition Low Low
ACT Range 18/25 16/25
SAT Range 891/1165 990/1195
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Required to be considered for admission
Application Deadline Aug 15, 2025 Aug 1, 2025

Academics

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (28%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (12%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (6%)
  • Health Professions (5%)
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (69%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (11%)
  • Psychology (7%)
  • General Studies (6%)
  • Communication (3%)

Outcomes

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
Graduation Rate 45% 57%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $41,100 $33,400
Making Student Loan Payments 56% 63%
Median Student Loan Debt $22,399 $21,500
Median Loan Payment $231 $222

Diversity

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
% Men 39% 46%
% Women 61% 54%
Racial Diversity High Low
HBCU No No
% White 52% 72%
% Black 21% 10%
% Hispanic 3% 4%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 2%
% International 6% 4%
% Unknown Race 15% 6%

Students

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
% In-State 72% 59%
% Out-of-State 24% 38%

Campus

Pfeiffer University Columbia International University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Columbia International University is larger than than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (2,481 students vs. 1,076 students)

Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer University or Columbia International University?

  • Pfeiffer University is 24.7% more expensive to attend than Columbia International University for in-state tuition ($31,940.00 vs. $25,620.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 24.7% higher at Pfeiffer University than Columbia International University ($31,940.00 vs. $25,620.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia International University than Pfeiffer University ($19,911 vs. $21,575)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 25.8% lower than costs at Pfeiffer University ($9,950 vs. $12,520)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Pfeiffer University than Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 32.3% larger than aid received Columbia International University ($24,926 vs. $18,834)

Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer University or Columbia International University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Columbia International University or Pfeiffer University .

  • The average SAT score at Columbia International University (1045) is 114 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (931)
  • Incoming Columbia International University students have a 3 point higher average ACT score (23) than students at Pfeiffer University (20)
  • Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18)
  • Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (69.1%) than Columbia International University (48.2%)

Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Pfeiffer University or Columbia International University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Columbia International University and Pfeiffer University.

  • The graduation rate at Columbia International University is higher than Pfeiffer University (57% vs. 45%)
  • Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn on average $7,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates after ten years. ($41,100 vs. $33,400)
  • Columbia International University students graduate with a $899 lower median federal student loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates. ($21,500 vs. $22,399)
  • Columbia International University graduates are paying $9 less per month on federal student loans than Pfeiffer University graduates. ($222 vs. $231)
  • More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/