Columbus State vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Metropolitan State University? 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 Metropolitan State University ($12,420 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 26.1% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,720 vs. $15,864).
• Metropolitan State University is 66.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $3,942 more per year; $9,840.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79% higher at Columbus State than at Metropolitan State University (about $7,770 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Metropolitan State University (89% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 5.4% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,538).

Columbus State vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Metropolitan State University (98.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Columbus State vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Metropolitan State University? 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).

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University 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, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $8,008 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($17,992 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($186 vs. $268).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.