SWU vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC 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 SWU based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Wesleyan University is located in Central, SC (Distant Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Wesleyan University 10:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

SWU vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWU 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 Southern Wesleyan University than Columbia International University ($20,134 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 15.3% lower than at Columbia International University ($10,126 vs. $11,950).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 6.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $1,900 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at SWU than at Columbia International University (about $1,900 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Wesleyan University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students is 14.6% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($19,498 vs. $17,009).

SWU vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWU 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 SWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming SWU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 22/28; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWU - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at SWU vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

SWU vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWU 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 Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 SWU graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

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.