Columbus State University
About Columbus State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Columbus State University is a public university in Columbus, Georgia, near Fort Moore. It offers programs in business, education, nursing, and the arts, and has a strong military-affiliated student population.
Founded
1958
Location
Columbus, Georgia
Students
7,415
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
99.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
41.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,898
Out-of-state: $17,610
Avg Net Price
$13,115
After financial aid
SAT Average
977
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,544
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$40
Early
Apr 15
Regular
Jun 30
Columbus State University accepts the majority of applicants at 99.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
977/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
41.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
69.7%
4-Year Grad
19%
6-Year Grad
43%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
59.4%
$/Student
$7.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 19% graduation rate is below average, but 69.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,898
In-State
$17,610
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,720
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,676
After Financial Aid
$13,115
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,271
Receive Grants
44.6%
Take Loans
37.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,676/yr for in-state students, including $11,720 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,115. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,610.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Columbus State University fund their education.
While in School
44.6%
Get Grants
Free money
37.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$32,787
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $45K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Columbus State University.
Gender
56.8%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,625
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,790
Graduates
33%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
24.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 33% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
5,625
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Columbus State University fields 8 varsity teams with 316 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Peach Belt
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
316
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
173
Men
143
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Columbus State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,544
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
114 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$57K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$30K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$29K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$38K
55 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$32K
53 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbus State University
What is the acceptance rate at Columbus State University?▾
How much does Columbus State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State University?▾
How much do Columbus State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.