Columbus State vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

Columbus State vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University ($12,420 vs. $16,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 3.9% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($11,720 vs. $12,198).
• Southeast Missouri State University is 67.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $4,005 more per year; $9,903.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.8% higher at Columbus State than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $7,707 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southeast Missouri State University than at Columbus State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,512).

Columbus State vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southeast Missouri State University (940) is 10 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Southeast Missouri State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Southeast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeast Missouri State University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Southeast Missouri State University (73.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

Columbus State vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Southeast Missouri 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).

• Southeast Missouri State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $3,473 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($22,527 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.