Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Columbus, Georgia |
| Online | columbusstate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Columbus State University, located in Columbus, Georgia, sits approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta along the Chattahoochee River. The university operates across two primary campuses: the main campus in suburban Columbus and the RiverPark campus in the city's historic downtown arts and theater district. Founded in 1958 as a junior college, CSU has evolved into a comprehensive public institution within the University System of Georgia, with notable programs in nursing, education, business, and the performing arts. The university maintains a strong performing arts presence through its Schwob School of Music and Department of Theatre, housed in renovated historic buildings at the RiverPark campus. Students can choose between several on-campus residential communities at both campus locations, and the university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Cougars.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Columbus State is rated within the lower 24% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Columbus State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#997 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#415 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#25 in Best Colleges in Georgia
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Georgia
#32 in Best Value Colleges in Georgia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 860/1100 |
| ACT | 17/24 |
| GPA | 3.07 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jun 30, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Georgia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $1,380 |
| Room and Board | $11,262 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,184 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,797 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $1,380 |
| Room and Board | $11,262 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,184 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,851 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 24% |
| Business | 19% |
| Education | 14% |
| Health Professions | 14% |
| English and Literature | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Columbus State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=139366 IPEDS survey data for Columbus State University.
Current students may use the Columbus State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025