Columbia International University vs. West Virginia University Tech

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than West Virginia University Tech based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,278 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); West Virginia University Institute of Technology is in Beckley, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 13:1.

Columbia International University vs. West Virginia University Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology than Columbia International University ($11,281 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 8% lower than at West Virginia University Institute of Technology ($11,950 vs. $12,986).
• Columbia International University is 231.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Virginia University Tech (about $19,476 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.4% higher at Columbia International University than at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (about $6,828 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia University Institute of Technology than at Columbia International University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 68.9% larger than aid received by West Virginia University Institute of Technology students ($17,009 vs. $10,068).

Columbia International University vs. West Virginia University Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Tech and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 90 points higher than at West Virginia University Tech (1000).
• Incoming West Virginia University Tech 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; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; West Virginia University Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; West Virginia University Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman West Virginia University Tech students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than West Virginia University Tech (36.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 52.3% at West Virginia University Tech.

Columbia International University vs. West Virginia University Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology's (29%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University Institute of Technology earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,501 lower median loan debt than West Virginia University Tech graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Virginia University Tech graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Virginia University Tech students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 59%)

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.