Brenau University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA 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 Brenau University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,436 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Brenau University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University 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 Brenau University than Columbia International University ($19,743 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 7% lower than at Brenau University ($11,950 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $6,127 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22% higher at Brenau University than at Columbia International University (about $6,127 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Columbia International University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 54.8% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($26,325 vs. $17,009).

Brenau University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University 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 Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming Brenau University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 20) as students at Columbia International University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Brenau University 930/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Brenau University 18/22; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - 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 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Brenau University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University 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 Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 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 Brenau University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 48%)

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.