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University of Alabama in Huntsville vs Columbia Southern University

University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public university in Huntsville, AL. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university in Orange Beach, AL. University of Alabama in Huntsville admits about 69% of applicants and Columbia Southern University about 100%, making University of Alabama in Huntsville 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 $18,796 at University of Alabama in Huntsville. About 63% of students graduate at University of Alabama in Huntsville, compared with 35% at Columbia Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia Southern University alumni earn a median of about $63,534, against $61,767 for University of Alabama in Huntsville.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL · Public

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Huntsville, AL
Orange Beach, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,591
12,176
Acceptance rate
69%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1410
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,796
$14,580
Full cost / yr
$27,392
$18,226
In-state tuition
$12,132
$6,760
Out-of-state tuition
$26,408
$6,760
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,192
$12,913
$30k - $48k
$16,532
$13,455
$48k - $75k
$18,210
$15,569
$75k - $110k
$20,777
$16,226
Over $110k
$21,501
$17,408
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
35%
Freshman retention
84%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,610
$55,140
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,767
$63,534
Median debt at graduation
$20,705
$21,339
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
24%
First-generation students
31%
54%
International students
1%
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 University of Alabama in Huntsville or Columbia Southern University harder to get into?
University of Alabama in Huntsville is harder to get into. It admits about 69% 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, University of Alabama in Huntsville or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,580 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,796 at University of Alabama in Huntsville. 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 University of Alabama in Huntsville and Columbia Southern University?
Before aid, Columbia Southern University costs about $18,226 a year and University of Alabama in Huntsville about $27,392. 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, University of Alabama in Huntsville or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,913 there, against about $16,192 at University of Alabama in Huntsville. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Alabama in Huntsville or Columbia Southern University?
Columbia Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 12,176 undergraduates against 6,591 at University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Does University of Alabama in Huntsville or Columbia Southern University have a better graduation rate?
University of Alabama in Huntsville has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 35% at Columbia Southern University.
Do graduates of University of Alabama in Huntsville 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 $61,767 for University of Alabama in Huntsville. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

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