South University-Montgomery vs Columbia Southern University
South University-Montgomery is a private for-profit university in Montgomery, AL. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university in Orange Beach, AL. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $14,580 a year at Columbia Southern University after aid, and about $27,807 at South University-Montgomery. About 35% of students graduate at Columbia Southern University, compared with 11% at South University-Montgomery. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia Southern University alumni earn a median of about $63,534, against $34,421 for South University-Montgomery.
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private (for-profit)
Location
Montgomery, AL
Orange Beach, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
299
12,176
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,807
$14,580
Full cost / yr
$34,793
$18,226
In-state tuition
$18,145
$6,760
Out-of-state tuition
$18,145
$6,760
Application fee
$75
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,444
$12,913
$30k - $48k
Not reported
$13,455
$48k - $75k
$26,220
$15,569
$75k - $110k
$31,519
$16,226
Over $110k
$31,493
$17,408
Outcomes
Graduation rate
11%
35%
Freshman retention
62%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$34,115
$55,140
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,421
$63,534
Median debt at graduation
$26,123
$21,339
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
24%
First-generation students
47%
54%
International students
0%
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.
- Is South University-Montgomery or Columbia Southern University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. 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-Montgomery or Columbia Southern University?
- Columbia Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,580 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,807 at South University-Montgomery. 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-Montgomery and Columbia Southern University?
- Before aid, Columbia Southern University costs about $18,226 a year and South University-Montgomery about $34,793. 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-Montgomery or Columbia Southern University?
- Columbia Southern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,913 there, against about $27,444 at South University-Montgomery. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, South University-Montgomery or Columbia Southern University?
- Columbia Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 12,176 undergraduates against 299 at South University-Montgomery.
- Does South University-Montgomery or Columbia Southern University have a better graduation rate?
- Columbia Southern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 35% against 11% at South University-Montgomery.
- Do graduates of South University-Montgomery 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 $34,421 for South University-Montgomery. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Related comparisons
South University-Montgomery vs United States Sports UniversitySouth University-Montgomery vs Stillman CollegeSouth University-Montgomery vs Huntingdon CollegeColumbia Southern University vs Alabama A & M UniversityColumbia Southern University vs University of Alabama in HuntsvilleColumbia Southern University vs University of South Alabama
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school