Columbus State University
Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99.1%, annual tuition of $5,898, average net price of $13,115, and a national rank of #1153 (Grade B-), with a 41.8% six-year graduation rate, about 5,625 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,190 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Columbus State University is a public university in Columbus, GA. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 69.7% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -25.3%, roughly 110.6 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Columbus State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Columbus State University graduates 41.8% of students within six years and keeps 69.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Columbus State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,898 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,720 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,312 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,676 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 44.6% of Columbus State University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,271 to $18,329 depending on family income. Use Columbus State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,542/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,329/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,190
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,190
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 37.6%
- Employment Rate 86.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Columbus State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Columbus State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Columbus State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Columbus State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Columbus State University graduates earn $39,190 median, the -25.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 440-530
- SAT Math 360-530
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,625
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 69.7%
- Graduation Rate 41.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Columbus State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Columbus State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.1%, Columbus State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.1% acceptance rate, Columbus State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 800 and 1060 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Columbus State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 18.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 6.1%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.5%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 5.5%
- Biology, General 4.7%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.6%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.6%
- Sociology 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $93,070
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,023
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $58,109
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Marketing $55,417
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $55,292
- 6. Business/Commerce, General $54,271
- 7. Management Information Systems and Services $53,153
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $53,104
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $51,469
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $48,884
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Education, Other (Doctoral Degree) $105,126
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $101,632
- 3. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $99,441
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $87,845
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $79,972
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degree) $79,116
- 7. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $78,235
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $75,699
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Doctoral Degree) $67,851
- 10. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $62,060
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $93,070—90% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,884). Graduate: Education, Other programs lead with $105,126 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Columbus State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 83 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 55 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (23 programs)â–¼
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Music
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Chemistry
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Music
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- History
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (9 programs)â–¼
- Music
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Gerontology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (14 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- International/Global Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Music
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Communication and Media Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,625
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.2%
- Female Students 56.8%
- Caucasian 41.5%
- Asian 2.5%
- Hispanic 9.3%
- Black 37.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 44.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Columbus State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Columbus State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Columbus State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Columbus State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Columbus State University has a diverse student body, with 41.5% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Columbus State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Columbus State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Columbus State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1153 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,115 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $39,190 median earnings. The 41.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 69.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Columbus State University's Strengths
Ranked #1153 with a B- grade, Columbus State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Columbus State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,115 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Columbus State University's 69.7% retention and 41.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($39,190 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Columbus State University and $13,115 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 41.8% six-year graduation rate sits 20.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.7% first-year retention is 7.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -25.3% return on investment is 110.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,190 run about 10% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,115 is roughly $4,282 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.6% employment rate within three years sits 18.4 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Columbus State University, a public university in Columbus, GA, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It stands at #1153 among 6101 schools Completion earns C+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
69.7% of learners come back after year one while 41.8% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -25.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,115 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,676.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,561 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 44.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $39,190 six years after enrollment. That sits about 10% below the national median.
Roughly 86.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -25.3% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Columbus State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbus State University's acceptance rate?
Columbus State University's acceptance rate is 99.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Columbus State University cost?
At Columbus State University, listed tuition and fees are $5,898 per year, and the average net price after aid is $13,115. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Columbus State University's ranking?
Columbus State University ranks #1153 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Columbus State University's graduation rate?
At Columbus State University, the six-year graduation rate is 41.8%, and first-year retention is 69.7%.
What are Columbus State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Columbus State University report median earnings of $39,190 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Columbus State University's student population?
Columbus State University enrolls about 5,625 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Columbus, GA 31907-5645
- Website www.columbusstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$95.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.0%