Columbus State vs. WSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Wayne State College in Wayne, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbus State University is larger than WSC based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Wayne State College is in Wayne, NE (Rural Fringe setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Wayne State College 19:1.

Columbus State vs. WSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or WSC? 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 WSC ($12,420 vs. $16,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State College are 13.5% lower than at Columbus State University ($10,142 vs. $11,720).
• Wayne State College is 39.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $2,318 more per year; $8,216.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.3% higher at Columbus State than at Wayne State College (about $9,394 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $8,216.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State College than at Columbus State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 38.1% larger than aid received by Wayne State College students ($9,003 vs. $6,517).

Columbus State vs. WSC Admissions comparison

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

• Wayne State College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; WSC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSC students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Columbus State (3.07).

Columbus State vs. WSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and WSC? 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).

• Wayne State College's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Wayne State College earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State College graduates have a $5,950 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($20,050 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WSC graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($207 vs. $268).
• More WSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.