Columbia International University vs. Southwestern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

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

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Southwestern Adventist University is in Keene, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Southwestern Adventist University 12:1.

Columbia International University vs. Southwestern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Southwestern Adventist 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 Southwestern Adventist University than Columbia International University ($20,466 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Adventist University are 21.3% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,400 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 9.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwestern Adventist University (about $2,520 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $25,380.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at Columbia International University than at Southwestern Adventist University (about $2,520 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $25,380.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwestern Adventist University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 12.4% larger than aid received by Southwestern Adventist University students ($17,009 vs. $15,126).

Columbia International University vs. Southwestern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Southwestern Adventist 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 Southwestern Adventist University and Columbia International University.

• Southwestern Adventist University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Southwestern Adventist University (1060).
• Incoming Southwestern Adventist University 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; Southwestern Adventist University 910/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Southwestern Adventist University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Southwestern Adventist University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; Southwestern Adventist University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Southwestern Adventist University (3.3).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Southwestern Adventist University (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 20.7% at Southwestern Adventist University.

Columbia International University vs. Southwestern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Southwestern Adventist 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 Southwestern Adventist University's (38%).
• Graduates from Southwestern Adventist University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Southwestern Adventist University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwestern Adventist University graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwestern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 49%)

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.