Columbus State University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Columbus State University is a public research university in Columbus, Georgia, serving roughly 5,625 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 99.12% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $44,544 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $5,898
- 2024 Average Net Price: $13,115 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 99.12% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 5,625 72.2% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 41.76%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
- First-Generation Students: 33.0%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 0.0% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 12.6% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 59.4%
- Average SAT Score: 977
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,138
- Applicants (IPEDS): 3,550
- Room & Board: $11,720 annual estimate
Columbus State University: what the data shows
Common questions about Columbus State University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Columbus State University?
Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (ZIP 31907-5645).
NCES locale classification: Suburb.
Is Columbus State University public or private?
Columbus State University is a Public institution.
How much does Columbus State University cost?
Published tuition: $5,898 in-state, $17,610 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $13,115.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $11,271 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,873 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $13,786 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,542 |
| $110,001+ | $18,329 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $23,592.
How hard is it to get into Columbus State University?
Admission rate: 99.12%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 977 and midpoint ACT 21.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Columbus State University?
Total enrollment: 5,625 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,138 students.
Graduate enrollment: 1,790 students.
About 72% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State University?
150%-time completion rate: 41.76%.
First-year retention: 69.7%.
What do graduates of Columbus State University earn?
Median earnings: $39,190 six years after entry; $44,544 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $26,000.
44.64% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Columbus State University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies (208 completions)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (114 completions)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (108 completions)
- Elementary Education and Teaching (90 completions)
- Family Practice Nurse/Nursing (89 completions)
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (68 completions)
- Health Professions and Related Programs (67 completions)
- Communication and Media Studies (65 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (55 completions)
- 00.0300 (53 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Columbus State University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 99.12%; completion rate 41.76%; median earnings $44,544 at 10 years; net price $13,115. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$5,898
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Columbus State University was $5,898.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$13,115
2024 Value
In 2024 Columbus State University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $13,115.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$52,460 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$13,115 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$23,592 4-Year In-State Tuition
$70,440 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$11,720 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,600 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$19,218 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$76,872 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Columbus State University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
44.64% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
37.76% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Columbus State University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Columbus State University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $5,514 | $15,556 | $11,560 |
| 2014 | $5,613 | $15,930 | $11,129 |
| 2015 | $6,011 | $16,585 | $11,422 |
| 2016 | $6,031 | $16,605 | $12,442 |
| 2017 | $6,134 | $16,920 | $12,250 |
| 2018 | $6,134 | $16,920 | $12,194 |
| 2019 | $6,241 | $17,295 | $12,058 |
| 2020 | $6,241 | $17,295 | $12,385 |
| 2021 | $6,241 | $17,295 | $13,697 |
| 2022 | $5,751 | $16,805 | $13,601 |
| 2023 | $5,751 | $16,805 | $11,889 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
99.12% Acceptance Rate
3,550 Total Applicants
3,523 Students Admitted
1,083 First-Time Students Enrolled
30.74% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 977
ACT Average: 21
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Columbus State University reported total enrollment of about 5,625 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 43% male and 57% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (41.5%), Black or African American (37.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (9.3%). About 44.64% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 33.0% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
72.2% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Columbus State University in 2024 is 5,625 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 7,138 students. Graduate enrollment is about 1,790 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
69.7%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 41.5%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
23.18% 100% Completion Time
41.76% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 23.18% of students graduating from Columbus State University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies: 65% male / 35% female
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 18% male / 82% female
- Computer and Information Sciences, General: 70% male / 30% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Columbus State University.
Return on Investment
$26,000 Median Student Debt
$44,544 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
58.37% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
749.10% Return on Investment
5.8 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Columbus State University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 68 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Criminal Justice/Safety Studies: 208 completions
2. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 114 completions
3. Computer and Information Sciences, General: 108 completions
4. Elementary Education and Teaching: 90 completions
5. Family Practice Nurse/Nursing: 89 completions
6. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other: 68 completions
7. Health Professions and Related Programs: 67 completions
8. Communication and Media Studies: 65 completions
9. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 55 completions
Most popular programs at Columbus State University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Columbus State University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Columbus State University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 59.4%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $8,802
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $7,245
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Columbus State University is a public institution located in Columbus, GA, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Computer and Information Sciences, General. Enrollment is approximately 5,625 students. Student body composition includes White (41.5%), Black or African American (37.3%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%). The admission rate is 99.12%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 977. The 150%-time completion rate is 41.76%. Approximately 44.64% of students receive Pell Grants. About 33.0% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
Location
Columbus, GA 31907-5645
Region: Southeast
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 68 distinct degree programs, Columbus State University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Columbus State University located?
Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA.
What is Columbus State University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Columbus State University is 99.1% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 3,550 applicants and 3,523 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Columbus State University cost?
Reported tuition is $5,898 and average net price is $13,115 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $11,720 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Columbus State University?
Columbus State University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 7,138 students, White (41.5%), Black or African American (37.3%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Columbus State University?
About 33.0% of students at Columbus State University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Columbus State University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Columbus State University reports midpoint SAT about 977 and midpoint ACT about 21.
What do graduates of Columbus State University earn?
Median earnings are $39,190 six years after entry and $44,544 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 41.8% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Columbus State University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $26,000.
Is Columbus State University public or private?
Columbus State University is a public institution located in Columbus, GA.
Is Columbus State University an HBCU?
No. Columbus State University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Columbus State University a tribal college?
No. Columbus State University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Georgia college costs
- Georgia colleges by ROI
- Columbus, Georgia city profile
- Southeast regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Georgia
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.