Columbia International University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,725 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia International University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia International University ($18,790 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 21.4% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,390 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $5,686 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at Columbia International University than at Columbia College (about $5,686 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($17,009 vs. $16,451).

Columbia International University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 90 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia College students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Columbia International University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Columbia College? 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 Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,764 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.