Columbia International University vs. SVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than SVU based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 936 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Southern Virginia University is in Buena Vista, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Virginia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Southern Virginia University 14:1.

Columbia International University vs. SVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or SVU? 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 Southern Virginia University than Columbia International University ($24,561 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Virginia University are 17.2% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,894 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 31.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SVU (about $6,620 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at Columbia International University than at Southern Virginia University (about $6,620 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Virginia University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 69.4% larger than aid received by Southern Virginia University students ($17,009 vs. $10,041).

Columbia International University vs. SVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Virginia University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming SVU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 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; Southern Virginia University 943/1253.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Southern Virginia University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; SVU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at SVU (3.19).
• SVU has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 21.4% at SVU.

Columbia International University vs. SVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and SVU? 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 Southern Virginia University's (25%).
• Graduates from Southern Virginia University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,154 lower median loan debt than SVU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,654).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SVU graduates ($222 vs. $244).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SVU 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.