Columbia International University vs. USC Beaufort

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than USC Beaufort based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,208 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); University of South Carolina Beaufort is in Bluffton, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; University of South Carolina Beaufort 15:1.

Columbia International University vs. USC Beaufort Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or USC Beaufort? 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 Beaufort than Columbia International University ($15,363 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 6.1% lower than at University of South Carolina Beaufort ($11,950 vs. $12,725).
• Columbia International University is 160% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Beaufort (about $17,170 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $10,730.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.1% higher at Columbia International University than at University of South Carolina Beaufort (about $6,124 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,776.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at University of South Carolina Beaufort (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 95.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Beaufort students ($17,009 vs. $8,692).

Columbia International University vs. USC Beaufort Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 60 points higher than at USC Beaufort (1030).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 19 at USC Beaufort).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; University of South Carolina Beaufort 940/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; University of South Carolina Beaufort 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; USC Beaufort - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman USC Beaufort students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than USC Beaufort (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 26.1% at USC Beaufort.

Columbia International University vs. USC Beaufort Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and USC Beaufort? 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 Beaufort's (21%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Beaufort earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,974 lower median loan debt than USC Beaufort graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,474).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Beaufort graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Beaufort students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

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.