Columbus State vs. MSU Billings

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Montana State University Billings in Billings, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than MSU Billings based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,129 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Montana State University Billings is in Billings, MT (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University Billings is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Montana State University Billings 14:1.

Columbus State vs. MSU Billings Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or MSU Billings? 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 MSU Billings ($12,420 vs. $15,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University Billings are 14.8% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,980 vs. $11,720).
• Montana State University Billings is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $1,382 more per year; $7,280.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at MSU Billings than at Columbus State University (about $5,287 more per year; $22,897.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University Billings than at Columbus State University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 23.1% larger than aid received by Montana State University Billings students ($9,003 vs. $7,313).

Columbus State vs. MSU Billings Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or MSU Billings? 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 MSU Billings 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; MSU Billings - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at MSU Billings (3.05).

Columbus State vs. MSU Billings Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and MSU Billings? 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).

• Montana State University Billings's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Montana State University Billings earn a median of about $400 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University Billings graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($17,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU Billings graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($180 vs. $268).
• More MSU Billings graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.