Golden Gate University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA with Columbia College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Golden Gate University 7:1; Columbia College 20:1.

Golden Gate University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Golden Gate University or Columbia College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 27.6% lower than at Golden Gate University ($9,552 vs. $13,200).
• Golden Gate University is 20% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $5,162 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20% higher at Golden Gate University than at Columbia College (about $5,162 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Golden Gate University (91% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College and Golden Gate University.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Golden Gate University - Not reported; Columbia College - Open admission.

Golden Gate University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate University and Columbia College? 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $34,600 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $7,805 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($22,034 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($227 vs. $308).
• More Golden Gate University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 40%)

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.