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Auburn University at Montgomery vs Columbia Southern University

Auburn University at Montgomery is a public university in Montgomery, AL. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university in Orange Beach, AL. Auburn University at Montgomery admits about 92% of applicants and Columbia Southern University about 100%, making Auburn University at Montgomery the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,224 a year at Auburn University at Montgomery after aid, and about $14,580 at Columbia Southern University. About 35% of students graduate at Columbia Southern University, compared with 34% at Auburn University at Montgomery. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia Southern University alumni earn a median of about $63,534, against $44,391 for Auburn University at Montgomery.

Auburn University at Montgomery

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
2,542
12,176
Acceptance rate
92%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.25–3.75
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1036–1203
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,224
$14,580
Full cost / yr
$21,353
$18,226
In-state tuition
$9,700
$6,760
Out-of-state tuition
$20,668
$6,760
Application fee
$15
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,706
$12,913
$30k - $48k
$12,309
$13,455
$48k - $75k
$13,202
$15,569
$75k - $110k
$17,387
$16,226
Over $110k
$16,117
$17,408
Outcomes
Graduation rate
34%
35%
Freshman retention
68%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,216
$55,140
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,391
$63,534
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,339
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
24%
First-generation students
38%
54%
International students
5%
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 Auburn University at Montgomery or Columbia Southern University harder to get into?
Auburn University at Montgomery is harder to get into. It admits about 92% 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, Auburn University at Montgomery or Columbia Southern University?
Auburn University at Montgomery is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,224 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,580 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Auburn University at Montgomery and Columbia Southern University?
Before aid, Columbia Southern University costs about $18,226 a year and Auburn University at Montgomery about $21,353. 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, Auburn University at Montgomery or Columbia Southern University?
Auburn University at Montgomery. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,706 there, against about $12,913 at Columbia Southern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Auburn University at Montgomery or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 12,176 undergraduates against 2,542 at Auburn University at Montgomery.
Does Auburn University at Montgomery or Columbia Southern University have a better graduation rate?
Columbia Southern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 35% against 34% at Auburn University at Montgomery.
Do graduates of Auburn University at Montgomery 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 $44,391 for Auburn University at Montgomery. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school