Columbia International University vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (4,022 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 South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Columbia International University vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or USC Aiken? 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 South Carolina Aiken than Columbia International University ($12,236 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 23.2% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,182 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 159.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $17,140 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.5% higher at Columbia International University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $6,682 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (95% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 91% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($17,009 vs. $8,904).

Columbia International University vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 10 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 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 South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Columbia International University vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and USC Aiken? 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 South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 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 USC Aiken graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.