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Alabama State University vs Columbia Southern University

Alabama State University is a public university in Montgomery, AL. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university in Orange Beach, AL. Alabama State University admits about 98% of applicants and Columbia Southern University about 100%, making Alabama State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,580 a year at Columbia Southern University after aid, and about $20,435 at Alabama State University. About 35% of students graduate at Columbia Southern University, compared with 30% at Alabama State University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia Southern University alumni earn a median of about $63,534, against $34,502 for Alabama State University.

Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL · Public

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Montgomery, AL
Orange Beach, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,477
12,176
Acceptance rate
98%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.02–3.52
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
749–967
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,435
$14,580
Full cost / yr
$23,586
$18,226
In-state tuition
$11,248
$6,760
Out-of-state tuition
$19,576
$6,760
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,711
$12,913
$30k - $48k
$21,682
$13,455
$48k - $75k
$21,508
$15,569
$75k - $110k
$21,608
$16,226
Over $110k
$19,031
$17,408
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
35%
Freshman retention
70%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$27,453
$55,140
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,502
$63,534
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$21,339
Student body
Pell grant recipients
71%
24%
First-generation students
34%
54%
International students
3%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Alabama State University or Columbia Southern University harder to get into?
Alabama State University is harder to get into. It admits about 98% of applicants, compared with 100% at Columbia Southern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,580 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,435 at Alabama State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Alabama State University and Columbia Southern University?
Before aid, Columbia Southern University costs about $18,226 a year and Alabama State University about $23,586. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Alabama State University or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,913 there, against about $19,711 at Alabama State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Alabama State University or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 12,176 undergraduates against 3,477 at Alabama State University.
Does Alabama State University or Columbia Southern University have a better graduation rate?
Columbia Southern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 35% against 30% at Alabama State University.
Do graduates of Alabama State University or Columbia Southern University earn more?
Columbia Southern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,534 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,502 for Alabama State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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