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Columbia International University vs South University-Columbia

Columbia International University is a private university in Columbia, SC. South University-Columbia is a private for-profit university in Columbia, SC. Columbia International University admits about 94% of applicants and South University-Columbia about 100%, making Columbia International University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $26,036 a year at Columbia International University after aid, and about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. About 55% of students graduate at Columbia International University, compared with 13% at South University-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia International University alumni earn a median of about $38,951, against $34,421 for South University-Columbia.

Columbia International University

Columbia, SC · Private

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
716
450
Acceptance rate
94%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1195
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,036
$27,693
Full cost / yr
$43,045
$35,322
In-state tuition
$27,900
$18,145
Out-of-state tuition
$27,900
$18,145
Application fee
$25
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,955
$26,588
$30k - $48k
$25,644
$30,474
$48k - $75k
$23,535
$32,022
$75k - $110k
$28,722
$29,386
Over $110k
$29,751
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
13%
Freshman retention
53%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,929
$34,115
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,951
$34,421
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$26,123
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
58%
First-generation students
24%
47%
International students
5%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia International University or South University-Columbia harder to get into?
Columbia International University is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 100% at South University-Columbia. 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 International University or South University-Columbia?
Columbia International University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,036 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. 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 International University and South University-Columbia?
Before aid, South University-Columbia costs about $35,322 a year and Columbia International University about $43,045. 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 International University or South University-Columbia?
Columbia International University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $21,955 there, against about $26,588 at South University-Columbia. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia International University or South University-Columbia?
Columbia International University is the larger of the two, with about 716 undergraduates against 450 at South University-Columbia.
Does Columbia International University or South University-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
Columbia International University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 13% at South University-Columbia.
Do graduates of Columbia International University or South University-Columbia earn more?
Columbia International University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $38,951 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,421 for South University-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia International University and South University-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia International University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. South University-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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