Shorter vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Shorter vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter University than Columbia College ($16,821 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 5.3% lower than at Shorter University ($9,390 vs. $9,920).
• Shorter University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $2,416 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at Shorter than at Columbia College (about $2,416 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 14.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($18,862 vs. $16,451).

Shorter vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 120 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Shorter students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Shorter vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Shorter University's (47%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $3,154 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($25,264 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($261 vs. $293).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 38%)

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.