Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC 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 Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 889 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pfeiffer University is located in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pfeiffer University 11:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer University 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 Pfeiffer University than Columbia International University ($19,660 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 7% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($11,950 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 25.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $7,170 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Columbia International University (about $7,170 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 52.6% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($25,951 vs. $17,009).

Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer University or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and Pfeiffer University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming Pfeiffer University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Pfeiffer University 18/25; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled 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 (96%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Pfeiffer University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer University and Columbia International University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $899 lower median loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,399).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.