Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs Columbia College
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a public college in Charleston, SC, and Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, SC. Citadel Military College of South Carolina is the more selective of the two, admitting about 23% of applicants against 94% at Columbia College. Columbia College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,408 a year against $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. About 74% of students graduate at Citadel Military College of South Carolina, compared with 45% at Columbia College. Ten years after enrolling, Citadel Military College of South Carolina alumni earn a median of about $72,085, against $41,338 for Columbia College.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,705
1,343
Acceptance rate
23%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–4
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
1085–1285
850–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
22–27
14–18
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,723
$18,408
Full cost / yr
$33,880
$35,258
In-state tuition
$12,570
$22,214
Out-of-state tuition
$38,508
$22,214
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,430
$17,541
$30k - $48k
$16,456
$17,017
$48k - $75k
$18,140
$16,816
$75k - $110k
$20,620
$22,928
Over $110k
$24,047
$20,399
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
45%
Freshman retention
86%
60%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,168
$45,863
Median earnings (10 yr)
$72,085
$41,338
Median debt at graduation
$21,096
$22,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
54%
First-generation students
19%
41%
International students
1%
1%
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 Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Columbia College harder to get into?
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina is harder to get into. It admits about 23% of applicants, compared with 94% at Columbia College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Columbia College?
- Columbia College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,408 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. 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 Citadel Military College of South Carolina and Columbia College?
- Before aid, Citadel Military College of South Carolina costs about $33,880 a year and Columbia College about $35,258. 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, Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Columbia College?
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,430 there, against about $17,541 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Columbia College?
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina is the larger of the two, with about 2,705 undergraduates against 1,343 at Columbia College.
- Does Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Columbia College have a better graduation rate?
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 45% at Columbia College.
- Do graduates of Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Columbia College earn more?
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,085 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,338 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Citadel Military College of South Carolina and Columbia College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Citadel Military College of South Carolina and Columbia College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1085–1285 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina and 850–1140 at Columbia College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs Furman UniversityCitadel Military College of South Carolina vs Wofford CollegeCitadel Military College of South Carolina vs Anderson UniversityColumbia College vs Furman UniversityColumbia College vs Wofford CollegeColumbia College vs Anderson University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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