Columbia International University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Upstate is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (4,916 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 Upstate is in Spartanburg, SC (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Upstate is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; University of South Carolina Upstate 15:1.

Columbia International University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 Upstate than Columbia International University ($13,999 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Upstate are 11.9% lower than at Columbia International University ($10,533 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 140.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Carolina-Upstate (about $16,312 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $11,588.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Columbia International University than at University of South Carolina Upstate (about $4,810 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $23,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Upstate than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 58.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Upstate students ($17,009 vs. $10,719).

Columbia International University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina-Upstate and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is the same as at University of South Carolina-Upstate (1090).
• Incoming University of South Carolina-Upstate students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 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 Upstate 1005/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; University of South Carolina Upstate 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; University of South Carolina-Upstate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.97 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of South Carolina-Upstate (2.53).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than University of South Carolina-Upstate (67.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 24% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.

Columbia International University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 Upstate's (39%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Upstate earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Carolina-Upstate students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.