Columbia College vs. Lincoln Memorial University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lincoln Memorial University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,081 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Lincoln Memorial University is in Harrogate, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Lincoln Memorial University 10:1.

Columbia College vs. Lincoln Memorial University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Lincoln Memorial 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 Columbia College than Lincoln Memorial University ($18,790 vs. $21,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 23.2% lower than at Lincoln Memorial University ($9,390 vs. $12,226).
• Lincoln Memorial University is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $4,724 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Lincoln Memorial University than at Columbia College (about $4,724 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln Memorial University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln Memorial University students is 22.1% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($20,081 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Lincoln Memorial University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Lincoln Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial University and Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lincoln Memorial University (1110) is 110 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Lincoln Memorial 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; Lincoln Memorial University 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Lincoln Memorial University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Lincoln Memorial University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Lincoln Memorial University (3.29).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Lincoln Memorial University (62.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 15.8% at Lincoln Memorial University.

Columbia College vs. Lincoln Memorial University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Lincoln Memorial 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Lincoln Memorial University's (49%).
• Graduates from Lincoln Memorial University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,900 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have a $8,244 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($17,020 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($175 vs. $261).
• More Lincoln Memorial University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.