Columbia International University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Columbia International University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University than Columbia International University ($16,286 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 11.7% lower than at Columbia International University ($10,554 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 166.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $17,428 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.1% higher at Columbia International University than at East Tennessee State University (about $13,378 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at East Tennessee State University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 68.4% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($17,009 vs. $10,101).

Columbia International University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is the same as at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming ETSU 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; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; ETSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than ETSU (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Columbia International University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Columbia International University graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia International University graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

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.