BAC vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC 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 BAC based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,388 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belmont Abbey College is located in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belmont Abbey College 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

BAC vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BAC 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 Belmont Abbey College than Columbia International University ($24,726 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 7.9% lower than at Belmont Abbey College ($11,950 vs. $12,974).
• Columbia International University is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BAC (about $8,400 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Columbia International University than at Belmont Abbey College (about $8,400 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at Columbia International University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 67.3% larger than aid received by Belmont Abbey College students ($17,009 vs. $10,168).

BAC vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BAC 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 BAC.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 10 points higher than at BAC (1080).
• Incoming BAC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Belmont Abbey College 960/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Belmont Abbey College 18/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BAC - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at BAC (3.32).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than BAC (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at BAC vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

BAC vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BAC 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 Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from Belmont Abbey College earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than BAC graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BAC graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BAC students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.