Columbia College vs. Augusta University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Augusta University in Augusta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Augusta University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (10,900 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Augusta University is in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Augusta University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Augusta University 16:1.

Columbia College vs. Augusta University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Augusta 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 Augusta University than Columbia College ($13,976 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 24.3% lower than at Augusta University ($9,390 vs. $12,404).
• Columbia College is 164% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augusta University (about $13,800 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $8,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Augusta University than at Columbia College (about $2,520 more per year; $24,734.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Augusta University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 72.5% larger than aid received by Augusta University students ($16,451 vs. $9,536).

Columbia College vs. Augusta University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Augusta University? 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 Augusta University and Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augusta University (1060) is 60 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Augusta University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Augusta University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Augusta University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Augusta University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Augusta University Jul 1, 2027.
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Augusta University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 25.1% at Augusta University.

Columbia College vs. Augusta University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Augusta University? 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).

• Graduates from Augusta University earn a median of about $28,600 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,300 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Augusta University graduates have a $10,264 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Augusta University graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($155 vs. $261).
• More Augusta University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 43%)

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.