Charleston Southern University vs Columbia International University
Charleston Southern University is a private university in Charleston, SC. Columbia International University is a private university in Columbia, SC. Columbia International University admits about 94% of applicants and Charleston Southern University about 96%, making Columbia International University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,666 a year at Charleston Southern University after aid, and about $26,036 at Columbia International University. About 55% of students graduate at Columbia International University, compared with 48% at Charleston Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Charleston Southern University alumni earn a median of about $45,898, against $38,951 for Columbia International University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,893
716
Acceptance rate
96%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.14–3.64
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1160
990–1195
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–25
Test policy
Considered
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,666
$26,036
Full cost / yr
$44,558
$43,045
In-state tuition
$32,520
$27,900
Out-of-state tuition
$32,520
$27,900
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,145
$21,955
$30k - $48k
$23,024
$25,644
$48k - $75k
$20,697
$23,535
$75k - $110k
$21,648
$28,722
Over $110k
$23,226
$29,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
55%
Freshman retention
63%
53%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,606
$33,929
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,898
$38,951
Median debt at graduation
$26,471
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
34%
First-generation students
31%
24%
International students
3%
5%
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.
- Is Charleston Southern University or Columbia International University harder to get into?
- Columbia International University is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 96% at Charleston 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, Charleston Southern University or Columbia International University?
- Charleston Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,666 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,036 at Columbia International 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 Charleston Southern University and Columbia International University?
- Before aid, Columbia International University costs about $43,045 a year and Charleston Southern University about $44,558. 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, Charleston Southern University or Columbia International University?
- Charleston Southern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,145 there, against about $21,955 at Columbia International University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Charleston Southern University or Columbia International University?
- Charleston Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 2,893 undergraduates against 716 at Columbia International University.
- Does Charleston Southern University or Columbia International University have a better graduation rate?
- Columbia International University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 48% at Charleston Southern University.
- Do graduates of Charleston Southern University or Columbia International University earn more?
- Charleston Southern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,898 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,951 for Columbia International University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Charleston Southern University and Columbia International University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Charleston Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Columbia International University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Charleston Southern University and Columbia International University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1160 at Charleston Southern University and 990–1195 at Columbia International University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Charleston Southern University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston Southern University vs Furman UniversityCharleston Southern University vs Wofford CollegeColumbia International University vs Medical University of South CarolinaColumbia International University vs American College of the Building ArtsColumbia International University vs Erskine College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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