Piedmont University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Piedmont University in Demorest, GA 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 Piedmont University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,857 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Piedmont University is located in Demorest, GA (Distant Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Piedmont University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Piedmont University 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Piedmont University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Piedmont 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 Piedmont University than Columbia International University ($22,252 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 8.8% lower than at Piedmont University ($11,950 vs. $13,100).
• Piedmont University is 13.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $3,800 more per year; $31,700.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at Piedmont University than at Columbia International University (about $3,800 more per year; $31,700.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Piedmont University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Piedmont University students is 44.7% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($24,618 vs. $17,009).

Piedmont University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Piedmont 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 Piedmont University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Piedmont University (1140) is 50 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Piedmont 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: Piedmont University 1038/1245; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Piedmont University 18/25; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Piedmont University - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Piedmont University Jul 15, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Piedmont University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Piedmont University (93.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Piedmont University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Piedmont University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Piedmont 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 Piedmont University's (46%).
• Graduates from Piedmont University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,236 lower median loan debt than Piedmont University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,736).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Piedmont University graduates ($222 vs. $245).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Piedmont University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 44%)

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.