Columbus State vs. BSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than BSC based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,206 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Bismarck State College is in Bismarck, ND (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bismarck State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Bismarck State College 13:1.

Columbus State vs. BSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or BSC? 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 Bismarck State College than Columbus State ($10,462 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bismarck State College are 29.4% lower than at Columbus State University ($8,273 vs. $11,720).
• Columbus State University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSC (about $651 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $5,247.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.2% higher at Columbus State than at Bismarck State College (about $10,279 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $7,331.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Bismarck State College (89% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 78.3% larger than aid received by Bismarck State College students ($9,003 vs. $5,049).

Columbus State vs. BSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or BSC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BSC and Columbus State.

• Bismarck State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; BSC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.

Columbus State vs. BSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and BSC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Bismarck State College earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bismarck State College graduates have a $14,959 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($11,041 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, BSC graduates have an estimated $154 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($114 vs. $268).
• More BSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 37%)

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.