Columbia International University vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (38,532 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 Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Columbia International University vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or UofSC? 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 Columbia than Columbia International University ($24,488 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 11.7% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($11,950 vs. $13,534).
• Columbia International University is 119.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $15,212 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at UofSC than at Columbia International University (about $8,072 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 138.3% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($17,009 vs. $7,139).

Columbia International University vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 180 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 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 Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman UofSC students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Columbia International University vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and UofSC? 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.

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

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.