Columbia International University vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Columbia International University vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or KSU? 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 Kennesaw State University than Columbia International University ($15,636 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 10.1% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,950 vs. $13,287).
• Columbia International University is 380.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $22,092 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.3% higher at Columbia International University than at Kennesaw State University (about $10,164 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at Kennesaw State University (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 106.8% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($17,009 vs. $8,223).

Columbia International University vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 20 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming KSU 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; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 38% at KSU.

Columbia International University vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and KSU? 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 is 57%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Columbia International University have median earnings of about $33,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for KSU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $300 lower median loan debt than Columbia International University graduates ($21,200 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia International University graduates ($219 vs. $222).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 53%)

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.