Columbus State vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Governors State University in University Park, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Governors State University 11:1.

Columbus State vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or GSU? 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 Columbus State University than GSU ($12,420 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 0.1% lower than at Governors State University ($11,720 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 103.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $6,106 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.7% higher at Columbus State than at Governors State University (about $5,606 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Governors State University (89% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($11,455 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. GSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or GSU? 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 GSU and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 20 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Governors State University 830/1060.
• 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; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.93 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 16.8% at GSU.

Columbus State vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and GSU? 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 Governors State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $8,750 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($17,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($178 vs. $268).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.