Southern Wesleyan University vs Columbia College
Southern Wesleyan University is a private university in Central, SC, and Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, SC. Columbia College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 94% of applicants against 100% at Southern Wesleyan University. Southern Wesleyan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,464 a year against $18,408 at Columbia College. About 52% of students graduate at Southern Wesleyan University, compared with 45% at Columbia College. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $47,756, against $41,338 for Columbia College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Central, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
747
1,343
Acceptance rate
100%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1210
850–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
14–18
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,464
$18,408
Full cost / yr
$39,914
$35,258
In-state tuition
$29,800
$22,214
Out-of-state tuition
$29,800
$22,214
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,084
$17,541
$30k - $48k
$14,218
$17,017
$48k - $75k
$14,230
$16,816
$75k - $110k
$14,899
$22,928
Over $110k
$17,381
$20,399
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
45%
Freshman retention
69%
60%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,489
$45,863
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,756
$41,338
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$22,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
54%
First-generation students
39%
41%
International students
1%
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.
- Is Southern Wesleyan University or Columbia College harder to get into?
- Columbia College is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 100% at Southern Wesleyan 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, Southern Wesleyan University or Columbia College?
- Southern Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,464 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,408 at Columbia College. 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 Southern Wesleyan University and Columbia College?
- Before aid, Columbia College costs about $35,258 a year and Southern Wesleyan University about $39,914. 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, Southern Wesleyan University or Columbia College?
- Southern Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,084 there, against about $17,541 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Southern Wesleyan University or Columbia College?
- Columbia College is the larger of the two, with about 1,343 undergraduates against 747 at Southern Wesleyan University.
- Does Southern Wesleyan University or Columbia College have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 45% at Columbia College.
- Do graduates of Southern Wesleyan University or Columbia College earn more?
- Southern Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,756 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,338 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Southern Wesleyan University and Columbia College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Southern Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Southern Wesleyan University and Columbia College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1210 at Southern Wesleyan University and 850–1140 at Columbia College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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