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Columbus State University

Columbus, GA·Public·5,625 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. a public school with 5,625 students.

99%
Accept
5,625
Students
$13,115
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$38,800
Earnings
10 yr
$26,000
Debt

About This School

Columbus State University is a public institution located in Columbus, Georgia with approximately 5,625 undergraduate students enrolled. Columbus State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 99%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,115 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $38,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Columbus State University is a public university in Columbus, Georgia, United States. Founded as Columbus College in 1958, the university was established and is administered by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $11,889/year net cost and only $15,000 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable public university options you'll find. However, the 42% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish, which means you'll want to be honest with yourself about support systems and commitment before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, but go in with eyes open.

Setting
Midsize city
Avg Faculty Salary
$8,802

Popular Programs

Health Professions15%
Business & Marketing10%
Computer Science10%
Visual & Performing Arts8%
Education8%
Communications6%
Biological Sciences5%
Social Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite977
Reading 75th %ile530
Math 75th %ile530

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,898
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,610
Avg Net Price
$13,115
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$11,271
$30–48k$11,873
$48–75k$13,786
$75–110k$16,542
$110k+$18,329

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants45%
Median debt at graduation$26,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$32,600
Female graduates$30,000

Gap: 8% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

What Each Major Actually Earns

Median earnings four years after graduation, by major, next to the national median for that same major at every college. The school-wide average hides this: at most schools the spread between the best- and worst-paying majors is far wider than the gap between schools.

MajorGradsHereNationalDiff
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing114$89,659$88,910+$749
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General61$45,997$61,296−$15,299
Computer and Information Sciences, General61$80,694$92,374−$11,680
Biology, General59$47,819$57,214−$9,395
Business/Commerce, General55$53,246$68,407−$15,161
Communication and Media Studies53$48,499$56,359−$7,860
Psychology, General46$41,266$50,706−$9,440
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness44$49,912$54,562−$4,650
Criminal Justice and Corrections41$49,956$55,378−$5,422
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods31$46,723$47,382−$659
Business Administration, Management and Operations30$49,673$68,257−$18,584
English Language and Literature, General28$42,316$48,590−$6,274

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard field-of-study data. Median earnings of graduates working and not enrolled four years after completing a bachelor's degreehere. Majors with too few graduates to report are omitted for privacy, so this is not the school's full program list.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White42%
Black37%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian2%
Two or more races5%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,625 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Columbus State University

4225 University Ave

Columbus, GA 31907-5645

View on Google Maps →

Schools Like This in Georgia

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See How Colleges Compare

Columbus State University is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Columbus State University?

Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Is Columbus State University hard to get into?

Not especially. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%, so admissions are relatively accessible for applicants who meet the requirements.

How much does Columbus State University cost?

The average net price at Columbus State University is about $13,115 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.

What is the graduation rate at Columbus State University?

Columbus State University has a graduation rate of 42%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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