Columbus State vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Columbus State University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,256 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 12.5% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($11,720 vs. $13,400).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Columbus State University (about $14,290 more per year; $31,900 vs. $17,610).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Columbus State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 160.7% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($23,467 vs. $9,003).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Columbus State, test-free at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Lenoir-Rhyne University average a 3.41 high school GPA, 0.34 higher than at Columbus State (3.07).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation (66% vs. 37%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.