Columbia International University vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Charleston is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

Columbia International University vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston than Columbia International University ($20,844 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 2.7% lower than at University of Charleston ($11,950 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $5,900 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at University of Charleston than at Columbia International University (about $5,900 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 53.6% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($26,132 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 20 points higher than at University of Charleston (1070).
• Incoming University of Charleston 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; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

Columbia International University vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Columbia International University graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia International University graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Charleston students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.