Wartburg College vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wartburg College in Waverly, IA 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 Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wartburg College vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College than Columbia International University ($24,031 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 1.7% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,750 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $1,650 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at Columbia International University than at Wartburg College (about $1,650 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wartburg College than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 137.1% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($40,336 vs. $17,009).

Wartburg College vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wartburg College or Columbia International University? 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 International University and Wartburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Wartburg College (1070).
• Incoming Wartburg College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wartburg College 930/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wartburg College 21/27; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wartburg College - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Wartburg College (3.48).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at Wartburg College vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Wartburg College vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wartburg College and Columbia International University? 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 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 Wartburg College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.