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Troy University vs Columbia Southern University

Troy University is a public university in Troy, AL. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university in Orange Beach, AL. Troy University admits about 96% of applicants and Columbia Southern University about 100%, making Troy University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,580 a year at Columbia Southern University after aid, and about $16,527 at Troy University. About 48% of students graduate at Troy University, compared with 35% at Columbia Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia Southern University alumni earn a median of about $63,534, against $42,062 for Troy University.

Troy University

Troy, AL · Public

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Troy, AL
Orange Beach, AL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,805
12,176
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1210
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,527
$14,580
Full cost / yr
$23,165
$18,226
In-state tuition
$10,176
$6,760
Out-of-state tuition
$20,352
$6,760
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,656
$12,913
$30k - $48k
$12,042
$13,455
$48k - $75k
$14,321
$15,569
$75k - $110k
$18,406
$16,226
Over $110k
$22,139
$17,408
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
35%
Freshman retention
71%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,392
$55,140
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,062
$63,534
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,339
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
24%
First-generation students
39%
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 Troy University or Columbia Southern University harder to get into?
Troy University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% 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, Troy University or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,580 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,527 at Troy 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 Troy University and Columbia Southern University?
Before aid, Columbia Southern University costs about $18,226 a year and Troy University about $23,165. 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, Troy University or Columbia Southern University?
Troy University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,656 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, Troy University or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 12,176 undergraduates against 9,805 at Troy University.
Does Troy University or Columbia Southern University have a better graduation rate?
Troy University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 35% at Columbia Southern University.
Do graduates of Troy 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 $42,062 for Troy 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school