University of West Alabama vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than University of West Alabama based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama ($12,420 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 29.8% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,230 vs. $11,720).
• University of West Alabama is 86.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,092 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at University of West Alabama than at Columbus State University (about $2,480 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at Columbus State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Alabama students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,037 vs. $9,003).

University of West Alabama vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Alabama (990) is 60 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027; Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of West Alabama students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 31.8% at Columbus State.

University of West Alabama vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from University of West Alabama earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $489 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 36%)

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.