Gwynedd Mercy University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Gwynedd Mercy University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,017 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gwynedd Mercy University is located in Gwynedd Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gwynedd Mercy University 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Gwynedd Mercy University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gwynedd Mercy University 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 Columbia International University than Gwynedd Mercy University ($26,056 vs. $27,960).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 14.4% lower than at Gwynedd Mercy University ($11,950 vs. $13,956).
• Gwynedd Mercy University is 43.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $12,222 more per year; $40,122.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.8% higher at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Columbia International University (about $12,222 more per year; $40,122.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gwynedd Mercy University students is 62% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($27,554 vs. $17,009).

Gwynedd Mercy University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gwynedd Mercy University 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 Gwynedd Mercy University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Gwynedd Mercy University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gwynedd Mercy University 1023/1186; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresColumbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gwynedd Mercy University - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gwynedd Mercy University Aug 20, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Gwynedd Mercy University (3.34).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Gwynedd Mercy University (89.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at Gwynedd Mercy University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Gwynedd Mercy University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gwynedd Mercy University 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 Gwynedd Mercy University's (52%).
• Graduates from Gwynedd Mercy University earn a median of about $23,200 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,600 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gwynedd Mercy University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 63%)

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.