Georgia State vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Georgia State University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (34,944 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia State University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Georgia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia State University 25:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Georgia State vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Georgia State or Columbia International 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 Georgia State University than Columbia International University ($16,854 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 10.8% lower than at Georgia State University ($11,950 vs. $13,392).
• Columbia International University is 222% more expensive for in-state tuition than Georgia State (about $19,236 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $8,664.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.3% higher at Columbia International University than at Georgia State University (about $3,060 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $24,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at Georgia State University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 41.1% larger than aid received by Georgia State University students ($17,009 vs. $12,052).

Georgia State vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Georgia State or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and Georgia State.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Georgia State (1060).
• Incoming Georgia State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Georgia State University 940/1180; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Georgia State University 19/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Georgia State - Required; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Georgia State Apr 1, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Georgia State students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Georgia State (55.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.7% at Georgia State vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Georgia State vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Georgia State and Columbia International University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Georgia State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Georgia State University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,199 lower median loan debt than Georgia State graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,699).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Georgia State graduates ($222 vs. $245).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Georgia State students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.