University of St. Mary vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS with Columbia College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than University of St. Mary based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 1,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Saint Mary is located in Leavenworth, KS (Distant Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Saint Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Saint Mary 11:1; Columbia College 20:1.

University of St. Mary vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St. Mary 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 Columbia College than University of St. Mary ($21,530 vs. $23,020).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 7.5% lower than at University of Saint Mary ($9,552 vs. $10,328).
• University of Saint Mary is 37% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $9,554 more per year; $35,380.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37% higher at University of St. Mary than at Columbia College (about $9,554 more per year; $35,380.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Saint Mary than at Columbia College (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Saint Mary students is 62% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($25,726 vs. $15,882).

University of St. Mary vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St. Mary 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 University of St. Mary .

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Saint Mary 806/1028.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Saint Mary 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St. Mary - Test optional; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at University of St. Mary (3.36).

University of St. Mary vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St. Mary 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).

• University of Saint Mary's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $600 more per year than University of St. Mary graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,716 lower median loan debt than University of St. Mary graduates ($22,034 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St. Mary graduates ($227 vs. $245).
• More University of St. Mary graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 40%)

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.