SCAD vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Savannah College of Art and Design is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (18,550 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Savannah College of Art and Design is located in Savannah, GA (Midsize City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Savannah College of Art and Design 21:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

SCAD vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCAD 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 SCAD ($26,056 vs. $50,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 34.1% lower than at Savannah College of Art and Design ($11,950 vs. $18,123).
• Savannah College of Art and Design is 49.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $13,730 more per year; $41,630.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.2% higher at SCAD than at Columbia International University (about $13,730 more per year; $41,630.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Savannah College of Art and Design than at Columbia International University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 32% larger than aid received by Savannah College of Art and Design students ($17,009 vs. $12,884).

SCAD vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCAD 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 SCAD.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Savannah College of Art and Design (1150) is 60 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming SCAD students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Savannah College of Art and Design 1030/1270; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Savannah College of Art and Design 21/28; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCAD - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SCAD students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than SCAD (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.4% at SCAD vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

SCAD vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCAD 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.

• Savannah College of Art and Design's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than SCAD graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCAD graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCAD students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.