Columbia International University vs. Carthage

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Carthage College in Kenosha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Carthage based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,844 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Carthage College is in Kenosha, WI (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carthage College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Carthage College 14:1.

Columbia International University vs. Carthage Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Carthage? 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 International University than Carthage ($26,056 vs. $27,066).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 11.2% lower than at Carthage College ($11,950 vs. $13,450).
• Carthage College is 38.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $10,850 more per year; $38,750.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.9% higher at Carthage than at Columbia International University (about $10,850 more per year; $38,750.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carthage College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carthage College students is 39.8% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($23,784 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. Carthage Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Carthage? 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 Carthage and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Carthage College (1100) is 10 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Carthage 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: Columbia International University 990/1195; Carthage College 1000/1205.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Carthage College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Carthage - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Carthage (3.36).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Carthage (87.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 11.3% at Carthage.

Columbia International University vs. Carthage Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Carthage? 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.

• Carthage College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from Carthage College earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,800 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 Carthage graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carthage graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Carthage graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 63%)

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.