Columbus State University: 87.8% Acceptance Rate

87.8%Acceptance

$5,751Tuition

5,537Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,544Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Columbus State University

Columbus State University builds strong regional ties through practical programs that connect directly to Georgia's job market. The university enrolls 5,537 students in a mid-sized city setting that offers internships and career opportunities without big-city distractions. Students here focus on nursing, education, business, and other professional programs designed to launch careers rather than impress academics.

The financial picture makes sense for most Georgia families. In-state students pay an average net price of $11,889 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $44,544 within ten years of graduation. Students typically graduate with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276. Nearly 92% of students come from Georgia, keeping costs manageable for families who want quality education close to home.

The student body reflects Georgia's diversity, with 42% white students and 38% Black students creating a genuinely integrated campus. The 73% retention rate shows students generally stick with their choice, though the 42% four-year graduation rate suggests many take longer to finish. Columbus State fields 15 Division II sports teams that compete in the Peach Belt Conference, giving student-athletes solid opportunities without the pressure of major college athletics.

Academics & Faculty

Columbus State University operates as a regional full university serving working students and career changers in west Georgia. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 42% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with work and family commitments. The university has built a strong reputation for its nursing program, which feeds healthcare systems throughout the region. Business and education programs also draw significant enrollment from students seeking practical career preparation. With 91% of students coming from Georgia, CSU functions as an accessible pathway to bachelor's degrees for local residents who might not otherwise pursue higher education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.7%
Retention Rate: 72.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,544
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Master	$95,537
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$70,009
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$63,005
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.	Master	$63,005
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$61,516
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,169
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$54,852
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$51,551
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$51,106
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$48,041

View all 87 programs →

Campus Life

Columbus sits along the Georgia-Alabama border, about 100 miles south of Atlanta. The campus houses just 25% of students in its residence halls, so most Cougars commute from the surrounding area. Georgia's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but should prepare for hot, humid summers that stretch into September.

The 132-acre campus blends modern facilities with older buildings near the Chattahoochee River. Students often cross into Alabama for shopping and dining in nearby Phenix City. With 92% of students coming from Georgia, the atmosphere feels decidedly local and tight-knit. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes than you'd find at larger state universities.

Weekend life centers around Division II athletics and the historic downtown Columbus area. The RiverWalk provides outdoor recreation along the river, while the city's arts district offers galleries and live music venues. Many students work part-time jobs since 44% receive Pell Grants and the median debt load reaches $26,000. The commuter culture means campus empties on weekends as students head home or to jobs.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,392 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	6	6
Fondling	5	3
Aggravated Assault	7	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	7	0
Rape	3	3
Burglary	3	0
Arson	1	1
Stalking	2	0
Murder	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–58°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.5"

Student Demographics

Columbus State draws primarily from Georgia, with over 90% of students coming from in-state. The university serves a diverse student body that's 58% women and nearly equally split between white and Black students. Strong local enrollment reflects the school's mission as a regional full university serving the Chattahoochee Valley. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Columbus State's commitment to educational access for working families. The female majority aligns with the university's strength in education, nursing, and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more women.

Men: 41.7%
Women: 58.4%
White: 41.3%
Black: 38.0%
Hispanic: 9.4%
Asian: 2.6%
In-State Students: 91.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.4%

Location

Columbus sits along Georgia's western border, about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. The city of 195,000 anchors the Chattahoochee Valley region where Georgia meets Alabama. Students find themselves in a mid-sized Southern city built around the Chattahoochee River, with Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) as a major economic driver. The area blends military heritage with growing healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Columbus State's 5,537 students represent about 3% of the city's population, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming college presence. The region offers outdoor recreation along the river and nearby Pine Mountain. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Columbus State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Columbus, Georgia 31907-5645

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,544
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,931
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Columbus State University?

Columbus State accepts 87.80% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1015. The university maintains an open-access mission, making quality higher education accessible to Georgia residents and working adults seeking career advancement.

How much does Columbus State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,889 annually, with in-state tuition at just $5,751. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants (44.40%), reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students in the Chattahoochee Valley.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbus State University?

Columbus State maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The university has built a strong reputation for its nursing, education, and business programs, serving as a key pipeline for healthcare professionals and teachers in west Georgia.

What are the graduation rates at Columbus State University?

The university has a 41.70% six-year graduation rate and 72.73% retention rate. Many students attend part-time while working, as Columbus State has historically served non-traditional students balancing education with career and family responsibilities.

Where do Columbus State University students live on campus?

Campus housing accommodates 1,392 students out of the total 5,537 enrollment. Most students (91.78% are in-state residents) commute from the Columbus metropolitan area, giving the campus a strong connection to the local community.

Does Columbus State University have Division I athletics?

Columbus State competes in NCAA Division II as the Cougars with 15 varsity sports and 298 total athletes. The athletic program awards $1,507,910 in scholarships and competes in the Peach Belt Conference, building school spirit in this mid-sized Georgia city.