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Columbia College vs Missouri Valley College

Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, MO, and Missouri Valley College is a private college in Marshall, MO. Columbia College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 69% at Missouri Valley College. Missouri Valley College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,086 a year against $22,715 at Columbia College. About 44% of students graduate at Columbia College, compared with 23% at Missouri Valley College. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia College alumni earn a median of about $45,378, against $43,221 for Missouri Valley College.

Columbia College

Columbia, MO · Private

Missouri Valley College

Marshall, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Columbia, MO
Marshall, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,950
1,443
Acceptance rate
5%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1560
895–1115
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
16–20
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,715
$18,086
Full cost / yr
$37,207
$37,899
In-state tuition
$25,826
$23,700
Out-of-state tuition
$25,826
$23,700
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,967
$16,132
$30k - $48k
$21,168
$15,854
$48k - $75k
$21,550
$16,039
$75k - $110k
$23,015
$20,499
Over $110k
$21,545
$22,669
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
23%
Freshman retention
75%
53%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,747
$36,902
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,378
$43,221
Median debt at graduation
$23,879
$25,950
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
32%
First-generation students
49%
40%
International students
3%
28%
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 Columbia College or Missouri Valley College harder to get into?
Columbia College is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 69% at Missouri Valley 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, Columbia College or Missouri Valley College?
Missouri Valley College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,086 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,715 at Columbia College. 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 Columbia College and Missouri Valley College?
Before aid, Columbia College costs about $37,207 a year and Missouri Valley College about $37,899. 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, Columbia College or Missouri Valley College?
Missouri Valley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,132 there, against about $23,967 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia College or Missouri Valley College?
Columbia College is the larger of the two, with about 4,950 undergraduates against 1,443 at Missouri Valley College.
Does Columbia College or Missouri Valley College have a better graduation rate?
Columbia College has the higher graduation rate, at about 44% against 23% at Missouri Valley College.
Do graduates of Columbia College or Missouri Valley College earn more?
Columbia College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,378 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,221 for Missouri Valley College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia College and Missouri Valley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Missouri Valley College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Columbia College and Missouri Valley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1560 at Columbia College and 895–1115 at Missouri Valley College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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