TROY vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

Compare Troy University in Troy, AL with Columbus State University in Columbus, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Troy University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (13,658 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Troy University is located in Troy, AL (Rural Fringe setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Troy University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Troy University 16:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

TROY vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TROY or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State University than TROY ($12,420 vs. $12,842).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Troy University are 18.9% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,500 vs. $11,720).
• Troy University is 72.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $4,278 more per year; $10,176.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at TROY than at Columbus State University (about $2,742 more per year; $20,352.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Troy University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Troy University students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($10,363 vs. $9,003).

TROY vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TROY or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State and TROY.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Troy University (1080) is 150 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming TROY students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Troy University 940/1210; Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Troy University 18/25; Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TROY - Test optional; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TROY students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than TROY (96%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at TROY vs. 31.8% at Columbus State.

TROY vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TROY and Columbus State? 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).

• Troy University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Troy University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Troy University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, TROY graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TROY students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 33%)

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.