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Columbia International University vs Strayer University-South Carolina

Columbia International University is a private university in Columbia, SC. Strayer University-South Carolina is a private for-profit university in Greenville, SC. Columbia International University admits about 94% of applicants and Strayer University-South Carolina about 100%, making Columbia International University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,979 a year at Strayer University-South Carolina after aid, and about $26,036 at Columbia International University. Ten years after enrolling, Strayer University-South Carolina alumni earn a median of about $40,092, against $38,951 for Columbia International University.

Columbia International University

Columbia, SC · Private

Strayer University-South Carolina

Greenville, SC · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
716
1,868
Acceptance rate
94%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1195
1060–1600
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
21–36
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,036
$17,979
Full cost / yr
$43,045
$25,158
In-state tuition
$27,900
$13,920
Out-of-state tuition
$27,900
$13,920
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,955
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$25,644
$17,979
$48k - $75k
$23,535
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$28,722
Not reported
Over $110k
$29,751
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
Not reported
Freshman retention
53%
100%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,929
$36,582
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,951
$40,092
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$40,621
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
82%
First-generation students
24%
54%
International students
5%
0%
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 Strayer University-South Carolina harder to get into?
Columbia International University is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 100% at Strayer University-South Carolina. 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 Strayer University-South Carolina?
Strayer University-South Carolina is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,979 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 Columbia International University and Strayer University-South Carolina?
Before aid, Strayer University-South Carolina costs about $25,158 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 bigger, Columbia International University or Strayer University-South Carolina?
Strayer University-South Carolina is the larger of the two, with about 1,868 undergraduates against 716 at Columbia International University.
Do graduates of Columbia International University or Strayer University-South Carolina earn more?
Strayer University-South Carolina alumni earn more on average: a median of about $40,092 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,951 for Columbia International University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia International University and Strayer University-South Carolina require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia International University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Strayer University-South Carolina is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Columbia International University and Strayer University-South Carolina look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1195 at Columbia International University and 1060–1600 at Strayer University-South Carolina. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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