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Columbia College vs Truman State University

Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, MO, and Truman State University is a public university in Kirksville, MO. Columbia College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 84% at Truman State University. Truman State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,780 a year against $22,715 at Columbia College. About 68% of students graduate at Truman State University, compared with 44% at Columbia College. Ten years after enrolling, Truman State University alumni earn a median of about $56,280, against $45,378 for Columbia College.

Columbia College

Columbia, MO · Private

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Columbia, MO
Kirksville, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,950
2,513
Acceptance rate
5%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1560
1170–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,715
$12,780
Full cost / yr
$37,207
$25,115
In-state tuition
$25,826
$9,838
Out-of-state tuition
$25,826
$18,566
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,967
$6,046
$30k - $48k
$21,168
$7,926
$48k - $75k
$21,550
$12,426
$75k - $110k
$23,015
$15,425
Over $110k
$21,545
$17,220
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
68%
Freshman retention
75%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,747
$43,966
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,378
$56,280
Median debt at graduation
$23,879
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
17%
First-generation students
49%
23%
International students
3%
10%
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 Truman State University harder to get into?
Columbia College is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 84% at Truman State 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, Columbia College or Truman State University?
Truman State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,780 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 Truman State University?
Before aid, Truman State University costs about $25,115 a year and Columbia College about $37,207. 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 Truman State University?
Truman State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,046 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 Truman State University?
Columbia College is the larger of the two, with about 4,950 undergraduates against 2,513 at Truman State University.
Does Columbia College or Truman State University have a better graduation rate?
Truman State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 44% at Columbia College.
Do graduates of Columbia College or Truman State University earn more?
Truman State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,280 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,378 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia College and Truman State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Truman State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Columbia College and Truman State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1560 at Columbia College and 1170–1370 at Truman State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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