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Jacksonville State University vs Columbia Southern University

Jacksonville State University is a public university in Jacksonville, AL. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university in Orange Beach, AL. Jacksonville State University admits about 78% of applicants and Columbia Southern University about 100%, making Jacksonville State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,279 a year at Jacksonville State University after aid, and about $14,580 at Columbia Southern University. About 53% of students graduate at Jacksonville State University, compared with 35% at Columbia Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia Southern University alumni earn a median of about $63,534, against $45,235 for Jacksonville State University.

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL · Public

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Jacksonville, AL
Orange Beach, AL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,036
12,176
Acceptance rate
78%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1290
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,279
$14,580
Full cost / yr
$24,257
$18,226
In-state tuition
$12,894
$6,760
Out-of-state tuition
$23,334
$6,760
Application fee
$35
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,472
$12,913
$30k - $48k
$12,622
$13,455
$48k - $75k
$15,343
$15,569
$75k - $110k
$17,480
$16,226
Over $110k
$18,183
$17,408
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
35%
Freshman retention
65%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,158
$55,140
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,235
$63,534
Median debt at graduation
$22,189
$21,339
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
24%
First-generation students
36%
54%
International students
4%
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 Jacksonville State University or Columbia Southern University harder to get into?
Jacksonville State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 100% at Columbia Southern 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, Jacksonville State University or Columbia Southern University?
Jacksonville State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,279 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,580 at Columbia Southern 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 Jacksonville State University and Columbia Southern University?
Before aid, Columbia Southern University costs about $18,226 a year and Jacksonville State University about $24,257. 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, Jacksonville State University or Columbia Southern University?
Jacksonville State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,472 there, against about $12,913 at Columbia Southern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Jacksonville State University or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 12,176 undergraduates against 7,036 at Jacksonville State University.
Does Jacksonville State University or Columbia Southern University have a better graduation rate?
Jacksonville State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 53% against 35% at Columbia Southern University.
Do graduates of Jacksonville State University or Columbia Southern University earn more?
Columbia Southern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,534 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,235 for Jacksonville State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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