Public Institution

Columbus State University — Columbus, Georgia

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Annual Tuition $5,751

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 99.2%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,537

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,544

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Columbus, Georgia

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 1/29/1986

Academic Mission & Environment

"Columbus State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Columbus, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,537 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Columbus State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Columbus State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

15.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

14.8%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

11%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

10.5%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

5.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Columbus State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Columbus State University provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Columbus State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 99.2%

Difficulty Low

Columbus State University maintains an acceptance rate of 99.2%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 41.7%

Women Enrollment 58.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 460 - 570

SAT Mathematics 400 - 530

ACT English 16 - 22

ACT Mathematics 15 - 23

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Columbus State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $5,751

Out-of-State Tuition $16,805

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 44.4%

Median Student Debt $26,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $5,751, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,544, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Georgia.

What salary can Columbus State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,544

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 41.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $11,889

Median Salary (6yr) $39,190

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Columbus State University in Columbus?

5,537 Students

Gender Comparison

41.7% Men

58.4% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

72.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.3%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

2.6%

Black

38%

White

41.3%

Unknown

2.6%

Hispanic

9.4%

Two or More Races

4.5%

International

1.1%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 23

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First-Generation 33%

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Receive Pell Grant 69.6%

🎖️

Veterans 0.6%

💍

Married Students 12.3%

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Retention (Part-time) 30.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$55,979
Average Family Income	$46,211
Median Family Income	$32,787

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.4%

47.6%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Columbus Campus Environment

Located at 4225 University Ave, Columbus State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Georgia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Columbus State University compare?

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Common Questions about Columbus State University

Is Columbus State University a good college in Columbus, Georgia?

Columbus State University is a recognized institution in Columbus with an enrollment of 5,537 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Georgia based on Department of Education data.

Is Columbus State University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Columbus State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,544. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Columbus State University cost for Georgia residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Columbus State University is approximately $5,751. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $16,805. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Columbus State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Columbus State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 69.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Columbus State University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

Columbus State University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Columbus State University?

Graduates of Columbus State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $44,544, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Columbus State University?

Columbus State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Columbus State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Columbus State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Columbus State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Columbus State University earn a median salary of $44,544 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Columbus State University a good investment compared to other GA colleges?

Columbus State University stands out as a high-value investment in Georgia. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Columbus State University located and what is the campus like?

Columbus State University is located at 4225 University Ave in Columbus, GA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,537 learners.

Who typically attends Columbus State University in Columbus, GA?

The student body at Columbus State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 33% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Georgia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Columbus State University with other leading institutions in Georgia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

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