Columbia International University vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Carolina State University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (3,242 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

Columbia International University vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University than Columbia International University ($17,965 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 24.7% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,000 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 152.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $16,840 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.3% higher at Columbia International University than at South Carolina State University (about $6,150 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University as at South Carolina State University (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 46.9% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($17,009 vs. $11,579).

Columbia International University vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 160 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

Columbia International University vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Columbia International University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,400 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $11,705 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $121 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($222 vs. $343).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 27%)

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.