Shorter vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA 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 Shorter based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,318 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Shorter vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter University than Columbia International University ($16,821 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 17% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,920 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $3,270 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at Columbia International University than at Shorter University (about $3,270 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 10.9% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($18,862 vs. $17,009).

Shorter vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 30 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Shorter students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Shorter University 1040/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Shorter University 18/25; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Shorter vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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 Shorter University's (47%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $6,918 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($21,500 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($222 vs. $293).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 38%)

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.