Columbia International University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Columbia International University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Liberty 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 International University than Liberty University ($26,056 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 13.6% lower than at Liberty University ($11,950 vs. $13,835).
• Columbia International University is 24.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $5,435 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.2% higher at Columbia International University than at Liberty University (about $5,435 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 36.2% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($17,009 vs. $12,489).

Columbia International University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 60 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 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; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Liberty University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Columbia International University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Liberty University? 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Liberty University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,666 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($222 vs. $249).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 36%)

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.