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Public, 4-Year
Columbus, GA

Columbus State University

Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in GA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.

Annual Tuition

$5,751

Average Sticker Price

Admission Rate

99.2%

Selectivity Level

Graduation Rate

42.6%

Completion Success

Median Earnings

$44,544

10y Career Outlook

About Institution

Columbus State University is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in Columbus, GA. With a competitive tuition profile of $5,751, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 42.6% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.

Admissions Intel

SAT Score Range

Reading & Writing460 – 570
20025th–75th percentile800
Math400 – 530
20025th–75th percentile800

ACT Score Range

Composite17 – 24
125th–75th percentile36

Acceptance Rate

99.2%

Transfer-Out Rate31.8%

Investment Return

Estimated College ROI Analysis

Total 4-Year Cost

$23,004

Based on sticker tuition

Estimated Payback

1.6 yrs

Time to recoup investment

Annual Earnings Boost

+$14,544

vs. $30k HS diploma baseline

10-Year Net Gain

+$122,436

Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost

20-Year Net Gain

+$267,876

Long-term projected return on your education investment

Graduation Rate: 43%

Students who don't graduate may still carry debt without the full earnings benefit. Consider program-specific outcomes in the Career Paths section below.

ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Columbus State University is $26,000.

Student Community

Gender Balance

Women
Men
58.4%
41.6%
FemininityMasculinity

Ethnic Diversity

White
41.3%
Black
38.0%
Hispanic
9.4%
Two or more
4.5%
Asian
2.6%
Unknown
2.6%
International
1.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Security Audit

Safety Rating: 3-Year Aggregate

Incidents

22

Burglary

3

Theft

7

Assault

7

Robbery

0

Rape

3

Arson

1

Murder

1

Financial Outlook

Total Sticker Price

$5,751

Estimated cost before aid.

Net Price By Income

$0 - $30k$10,370
$30k - $48k$10,797
$48k - $75k$13,287
$75k+$15,598

Debt & Financial Aid

Median Debt (grads)$26,000
Pell Grant Recipients44.4%
Using Federal Loans41.7%
Historical 3yr Loan Repayment37.6%

Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.

Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)

Avg. Total Grant Aid$7,234
Pell Grant Recipients43.0%

* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.

Quick Overview

Faculty Ratio

N/A

Retention

72.7%

Success

42.6%

In-State Cost

$5,751

Age 25+ Students

24.4%

Carnegie Class

Master's: Larger

Working at 6yr

2,036 students

Living In Columbus

Off-Campus Market Estimator

Current Fair Market Rents
🏠

Studio

$828

Monthly Average

🏢

1 Bedroom

$881

Monthly Average

🏘️

2 Bedrooms

$1,031

Monthly Average

🏢

3 Bedrooms

$

Monthly Average

Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the Columbus metropolitan area.