South University-Columbia vs American College of the Building Arts
South University-Columbia is a private for-profit university in Columbia, SC, and American College of the Building Arts is a private college in Charleston, SC. American College of the Building Arts is the more selective of the two, admitting about 44% of applicants against 100% at South University-Columbia. South University-Columbia is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,693 a year against $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. About 63% of students graduate at American College of the Building Arts, compared with 13% at South University-Columbia.
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private
Location
Columbia, SC
Charleston, SC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
450
155
Acceptance rate
100%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1130–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,693
$30,403
Full cost / yr
$35,322
$38,073
In-state tuition
$18,145
$21,500
Out-of-state tuition
$18,145
$21,500
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,588
$27,879
$30k - $48k
$30,474
$29,454
$48k - $75k
$32,022
$32,248
$75k - $110k
$29,386
$33,835
Over $110k
Not reported
$34,704
Outcomes
Graduation rate
13%
63%
Freshman retention
57%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$34,115
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,421
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$26,123
$12,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
18%
First-generation students
47%
Not reported
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
May 31
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.
- Is South University-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts harder to get into?
- American College of the Building Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 44% 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, South University-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts?
- South University-Columbia is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,693 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. 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 South University-Columbia and American College of the Building Arts?
- Before aid, South University-Columbia costs about $35,322 a year and American College of the Building Arts about $38,073. 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, South University-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts?
- South University-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $26,588 there, against about $27,879 at American College of the Building Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, South University-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts?
- South University-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 450 undergraduates against 155 at American College of the Building Arts.
- Does South University-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts have a better graduation rate?
- American College of the Building Arts has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 13% at South University-Columbia.
- Do South University-Columbia and American College of the Building Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
- South University-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. American College of the Building Arts considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
Related comparisons
South University-Columbia vs Medical University of South CarolinaSouth University-Columbia vs Erskine CollegeSouth University-Columbia vs Morris CollegeAmerican College of the Building Arts vs Medical University of South CarolinaAmerican College of the Building Arts vs Erskine CollegeAmerican College of the Building Arts vs Morris College
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