Columbus State vs. TSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Texas Southern University in Houston, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Texas Southern University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (8,704 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Texas Southern University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Texas Southern University 19:1.

Columbus State vs. TSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or TSU? 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 TSU ($12,420 vs. $13,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 8.4% lower than at Texas Southern University ($11,720 vs. $12,800).
• Texas Southern University is 55.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $3,275 more per year; $9,173.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at TSU than at Columbus State University (about $3,863 more per year; $21,473.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Texas Southern University than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas Southern University students is 9.1% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,823 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. TSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is 30 points higher than at TSU (900).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at TSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Texas Southern University 800/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Texas Southern University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; TSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; TSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at TSU (3.0).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than TSU (96.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 17.9% at TSU.

Columbus State vs. TSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and TSU? 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 Texas Southern University's (12%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than TSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $3,358 lower median loan debt than TSU graduates ($26,000 vs. $29,358).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TSU graduates ($268 vs. $303).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TSU students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 22%)

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.